reader

Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 8:07 p.m.

Each one of us is a public and private citizen. Some days we take the bus or metro, others we drive our privately owned cars. We choose to use the library one week and to purchase a book for private ownership the next. One year we use State supported hospitals during an illness and privately funded hospitals during an emergency. Although we are all private and public citizens, we are not all public servants. And in the truest sense of the word, people who devote themselves to the growth and development of public institutions are public servants. People like Mr. Friedman are committed to the improvement of public institutions and are willing to work toward improvements, even when institutions have strong track records. They are all selfless and many are tireless. Mr. Friedman believes that Ann Arbor schools financial sustainability and educational excellence are goals worthy of his time and energy. He is not alone in this belief. Mr. Friedman (and others) is a citizen willing to devote his private time to the public good. Mr. Friedman has made a private choice to educate his children in a school that best meets the needs of his children. Not surprisingly, he is willing to make financial and logistical sacrifices to ensure his childrens educational needs are well met. What sets Mr. Friedman apart is that he is also willing to make financial and logistical sacrifices to ensure that the children of Ann Arbors educational needs are well met. Many of us continue to send our children to public schools either due to economic necessities or a sense of commitment to these public institutions. How many of us spend numerous hours in meetings, pouring over unwieldy budgets with overwhelming constraints? In fact, how many of us commit this level of time, much less talent, to any of our public institutions? Unlike so many of us who are happy to complain about a system, Mr. Friedman insists on a continued commitment to school improvement. He is a private citizen and a public servant. So what is at issue? Residency? That question is satisfied by number of days and property lines. Commitment? That question is satisfied by Mr. Friedmans record of service. Our own pettiness and jealousy? That question is illuminated by the majority of comments written by people whose own service might well be brought under scrutiny.

donna Friedman

Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:44 p.m.

i think it is so interesting that so many are quick to criticize, but everyone seems to be missing a key factor. he is smart, ceo and has met fiscal responsibilities of a business. at a time of crisis in our district why do we find the need to be petty, let this man help our community. he cares about the school system. i think if i am not mistaken he has been on the board nearly 8 years. that is a lot of time, dedication to a cause. why do you all feel you have the liberty to judge his lifestyle. i am not willing to hold a board seat, i cannot even imagine. the way that some of you have responded will have people shy away from public service. do you really want this man to leave ann arbor...really? when we have cuts that must be made to save our public education. is this really important...this is petty and i think that we should thank him and all of our board members for the thankless job they do....we are very fast to judge, but few of us have dedicated so many hours to the betterment of a system not a person.Wow...are we that stupid...? leave this man and the board alone so that they can figure out how our public system is going to educate the majority of our children.....

News Watcher

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 11:08 p.m.

Big deal. Our former Ann Arbor home was never classified as homestead/primary residence due to a screw-up at city records, and this only came to light after 7 years. Friedman may say that his Birmingham home is not legally filed as his primary residence, but look at the facts: where do his children live? He bought the house so the kids wouldn't have a long commute to and from Ann Arbor. Is Friedman not going to live in the same home as his children? Plus the Birmingham house is almost 6,000 square feet! Tell me that a new house that size is NOT going to be Friedman's primary residence. Elected state representatives have to reside in the ward they represent. I may have great ideas about how to improve Dexter schools and truly want to do my best for the students and faculty there, but I don't live there. Should I pull a Friedman and serve on the Dexter school board? Time for Friedman to face facts and bow out.

DagnyJ

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 1:40 p.m.

Friends of Randy seem to agree that he is a great guy. But can they explain why he is such a great member of the school board, beyond the fact that he shows up for about half the meetings? And he's got a reputation for being impatient and irritated with voters and taxpayers? And like it or not, his decision to send his kids to private school and have a house in another county seem to say to Ann Arborites, "do as I say, not as I do." I wish his friends would address these issues.

Keith Aaronson

Sat, Nov 21, 2009 : 12:56 a.m.

Like most Ann Arborites, I'm more apt to read about what's happening a world away than pay close attention to the goings on of our town. To me, that's all the more reason to value those who devote their time to the Board of Ed, City Council, etc. So, while I couldn't do justice to Randy in answering the questions about his accomplishments - and neither could I for any other board member - how is this relevant? If he accomplished "more" would you be OK with the school and 2nd house? Doesn't someone who serves the community at no personal gain deserves to have his effort respected, whether you agree with his positions and value his accomplishments or not?

a2girl

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 11:10 p.m.

I have lost my patience waiting for someone to answer Rob's question. Really, it can't be that difficult to come up with a few examples of exceptional moves Mr. Friedman has made in the last year or so. It is nice that some of you are supporting your friend, but if you can't answer the question, maybe you don't know him as well as you claim to.

TXteacher

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 10:21 p.m.

@Rob- Most school board meetings are open to the public. I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you went to witness Mr Friedman's skills and contributions for yourself!

Keith Aaronson

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 10:13 p.m.

Like many people in this community, I know Randy. What I know is that he's given generously of his time and his money to try to improve our schools and our community. Is it relevant that he's a wealthy guy who has chosen to send his kids to an expensive private school and bought a second home near that school? Only in that others in his situation with a narrower view of their own interests might be less inclined to continue to devote so much of themselves to our community. Randy lent his support, donated his money and volunteered his home for a fund raiser to support a yes vote on the recent school millage, and whether you agree with that or not, it's hardly the behavior or someone who does not continue to feel a commitment to our schools. What interest is served by these articles? There's no story here, just an overreaching reporter looking to make a splash. Aspire to win a Pulitzer, Mr Jesse, not to his brand of journalism.

Craig Lounsbury

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 4:11 p.m.

"What I would hate to see is Mr. Friedman and family leave our area for being treated this way." Not to worry djm, they already left the area. They live in Birmingham now. Do,you think they bought a house for something north of a million bucks near their kids school NOT to live there? Who's kidding who around here? This isn't about where his kids go to school. or how many houses he owns. Its about the nearly overwhelming likelihood he no longer lives in the city of Ann Arbor, other than "on paper"

djm12652

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 3:05 p.m.

@Rob...what has any of the Board members done? The article says nothing about his work as Treasurer. This is such a bunch of non-news crap. If Mr. Friedman has done anything unethical or illegal [which I completely doubt] then the good folks of our school district should look into it. But to make this residency thing into a headline, please, give me a break. A2 reporting is so small-town lame, I'm amazed we don't have the daily report on who bought a new rake or loaf of bread at Downtown Home and Garden. What I would hate to see is Mr. Friedman and family leave our area for being treated this way. The Friedman's enrich our community in numerous ways; to have them move away would be a great loss. If you want to present us with some real news, why don't you guys go out on a week-end and see what happens to our town at night and report on that? I can hear it now...those women can't be prostitutes...it's Ann Arbor...[just free love for sale...]now that would be news!

Matthew D Shapiro

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 9:52 a.m.

Randy Friedman has worked tirelessly for many years to maintain the excellence of the Ann Arbor Public Schools. He is an eloquent advocate for the AAPS, of their importance for all the children of Ann Arbor, and of their anchor role in making Ann Arbor a wonderful community for all its residents. The school board will face daunting challenges over the coming years. The currently difficult fiscal environment is likely to get much worse. The school board will need to make difficult decisions and advance creative solutions. Lets hope that our schools continue to benefit from Randy Friedmans extraordinary skills, knowledge, and dedication.

limmy

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 9:12 a.m.

This reminds me of a conference I had with my child's AAPS middle school teacher. She mentioned she had a child the same age, then let out that she sends her to private school. I was stunned and lost confidence in her. I felt that she had 1 standard for her child, and another standard for the kids in her class. I think we all want to see that our leaders have confidence in our schools.

Alan Benard

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 9:10 a.m.

Dave, when the conservatives hand you a "story" on a plate, try to be less eager to bite. Or you might end up being somone's catspaw. What passes for a managing editor over there?

hewy

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 8:36 a.m.

From many of the posts on this story, I guess it is important to generate so many, I think we should consider opening City Counsel and the Mayors office to people who live outside of the City of Ann Arbor. Im sure there are many who could provide a valuable service.

janhack

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 8:20 a.m.

Randy Friedman has brought a needed perspective, dedication and perserverance to the School Board. It really rankles me that Annarbor.com chooses to highlight where his children go to school rather than his significant contributions to the Ann Arbor public schools. When community volunteers are impugned rather than lauded for their efforts, there is a problem. It is also relevant to add that I believe he ran unopposed in the last election.

pseudo

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 6:41 a.m.

Schools Boards carry immense power and authority over school districts. They are seats from which political careers are formed and the Ann Arbor school board has been one of those platforms for congressional reps, state reps, etc. If his family is so dedicated to Detroit Country Day, why would Mr. Friedman want to serve a public school and what experience or agenda might be bring to that office? His educational experience is from an elite private school serving a generally homogeneous student body with a ton of money. His purchase of a home in Birmingham may be the technical issue that makes those questions mute. He ran unopposed and relatively unquestioned. So where were we on this one?

racerx

Fri, Nov 20, 2009 : 3:14 a.m.

djm12652-loved your post. Remember this is the reason why the "paper" was called the "Ann Arbor Snooze" for many years. Why would this be any different now that it's "A2.com?" The same editorial process is in place. With that said, this is SUCH a non issue. Friedman's family has a history of attending DCD. I'm glad to see that he is continuing his family's tradition's and having the means to further them for his children! Good for him. As far has him being able to do his job while having a residence elsewhere, the same could be said of both Fraser (City Adminstrator) and Sue McCormick (Public Services Director) living in other communties, but not Ann Arbor. Is it really that important? Now if Friedman mismanaged funds that caused some type of disaster for the schools then maybe the "Snooze" will have a story. But until then...find something important to discuss.

Amy Dittmar

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 10:08 p.m.

I don't understand what people think that Randy Friedman is getting from serving Ann Arbor by being on the school board. It seems to me that he is volunteering his time and I appreciate all that he has done for the schools. The fact that he now does this even though it does not directly benefit his kids makes it all the more commendable.

Brit Satchwell

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 9:46 p.m.

Now please go back and re-read the 114 comments on the previous article that questioned - not accused, just questioned, mind you! - Trustee Friedman's legal residency status. With all of the important issues we have to discuss, the homework we need to do to have an intelligent discussion about our children and our schools... (sigh)... It's a sad sad day in latte land, folks. We have met the enemy and they are us. The more we don't deserve public servants of Mr. Friedmans' caliber, the more we need them more than ever. Maybe it's time we began listening to them?

citrus

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 9:46 p.m.

A person can care deeply about, contribute to, and work to better an instituion, even if they don't use the services of that institution. People volunteer at soup kitchens, but don't eat the food there. Doctors work at clinics, but still see a specialist. Public school can't be every thing for every body. It has to aim for the middle ground, and be most things for most kids. For whatever reason, it wasn't a match for the oldest kid, and the others followed. He could very well believe in the FUTURE of the schools, but for whatever reason, it wasn't a match for his kids or his family in the here and now. It isn't a match for many. Should he have to keep their kid in a bad situation to demonstrate his compassion for the schools at the kid's expense? And maybe it isn't even that AAPS was "bad", rather, that they could do something even better. Why not? (Certainly, after all the constant griping about AAPS, people can admit there might be something better...)I don't know Friedman from a hill of beans, but it makes all the sense in the world to get some input from a person/people familiar with schools that draw families out of AAPS.

seekerofwisdom

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 8:42 p.m.

I appreciate Ann Arbor.Com for responsible reporting. Mr. Friedman has the right to send his children where ever he pleases. That being said, I question why Mr. Friedman would want to "volunteer" in a school community that he doesn't believe is capable of teaching his children? It speaks volumes.

Tom Bower

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 8:16 p.m.

If he remains, and if he runs for re-election, the voters will decide.

interested

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 5:36 p.m.

I do agree that it is admirable that Mr. Friedman volunteers his time on the Ann Arbor school board but do not understand why he does so if he does not have enough confidence in the school system to send ANY of his children here. I do not think anyone is saying that we should think less of someone for sending their children to private schools but why would someone want to serve on a school board of a city that does not educate their children?

tpmcfadden

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 5:32 p.m.

Frankly, I DO think its a big deal that a school board member has four school-age children and that none of them attend in the Ann Arbor school district. Of course, Mr. Fiedman can send his children to school wherever he wants, but it's hard to see how passionate and caring he is about the AAPS if he thinks that that his own kids are better off somewhere else. It's probably better if Mr. Friedman resigns from the AAPS board and seeks to serve Country Day. I'm sure he would do a better job there.

voiceofreason

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 5:25 p.m.

I don't see this being much of a distraction to Mr. Friedman, or at least I would hope not. Basically, the goal of this investigation is to say, "The public is watching you". If we are able to get this point across, the probability of cuts taking place that do not impact the classroom increases exponentially.

treetowncartel

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 5:18 p.m.

While investigative journalism is a good thing, turning up the heat and distracting someone from the task at hand for some trivial item really doesn't do any body any good, particularly the taxpayers.

David Jesse

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 5:15 p.m.

@djm: Here's what we reported yesterday about his kids: His youngest 2 children moved to Country Day last spring, joining their sister, who made the jump from Ann Arbor 2 years ago, and their brother, who started there 3 years ago, Friedman said.

voiceofreason

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 5:06 p.m.

Although to some people this seems like a story that isn't newsworthy, I appreciate the fact that Annarbor.com is doing some investigative work here. It is necessary to turn up the heat on Mr. Friedman right now, because he is in the midst of recommending which places to cut the budget due to the pending state cuts. If we are able to keep Mr. Friedman on his toes for the time being, he will make the necessary administrative cuts and not cut anything that will adversely impact the classroom. I applaud Annarbor.com for this. Please keep up the pressure on these individuals to prevent complacency in the future.

treetowncartel

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 5:06 p.m.

Maybe Mr. Friedman can just enroll his kids for count day, and then place them back at country day. I mean a lot of the charter schools already use that method, have the kid there for count day and then they go back to public school. Time for some role reversal. It is too bad that someone thought this was news worthy. The only thing necessary to run for the board is to be a registered voter in the district, simple as that.

Curmudgeon4hire

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 5 p.m.

So, once again in it's rush to throw muck, if this was a paper, print something, anything, AnnArbor.com, and David Jess, prove this is nothing but a pretty blog site, not a real journalism endeavor that checks facts with integrity. Good going, take a bow. Go ahead, bow for your great journalistic endeavors.

DagnyJ

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 4:54 p.m.

I agree with Rob. I have found his comments and demeanor to be less than generous at times. Service means service, and that means interacting with us unwashed, unknowledgable voters who generally pay the school's bills.

David Shtulman

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 4:39 p.m.

It is unfortunate when good people giving of themselves on behalf of others are treated this way. Is Randy Friedman a bad guy for buying a house in Birmingham or a bad guy for sending his kids to a private school? If it is the first, does that make everyone with a home outside AA a bad guy? If it is the second, should I stay away from everyone who sends their kids to private school? If the issue is that Randy Friedman has devoted his efforts to working on behalf of AA public schools while his children do not attend, then a law should be passed to that effect and you should eliminate every candidate who does not currently have children in the AA schools no matter what skills they may bring. Otherwise, I suggest the only basis for criticism should be his performance as a school board member. I have heard that Randy Friedman is a valued contributor on the school board and it would be a lesser body without him. Perhaps we should be giving special thanks to Mr. Friedman for his continuing commitment to the public schools even though he has no children currently in the system. Ann Arbor.com could benefit from a few people like Randy Friedman on its own board. But, I forgot, he recently bought a house in Birmingham.

Craig Lounsbury

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 4:33 p.m.

would you folks who think this is a non story feel the same if, hypothetically, Mrs. Friedman and the kids lived in the Birmingham house 7 days a week and Mr. Friedman only stayed in the Ann Arbor house on nights he had a school board meeting? How many nights a month would you want to know he was sleeping in Ann Arbor? Any? Because thats my concern. A piece of paper listing a primary residence for tax purposes is one thing, where you spend your nonworking time, shopping cooking your meals, sleeping at night is another. The things Mr. Friedman said and didn't say would lead a reasonable person to wonder if he spends much time in our town anymore. A "primary residential property exemption" is a piece of legalize to me.

Lehigh

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 4:22 p.m.

I think most of us wish we had Mr. Friedman's disposable income. That said, he has always seemed to be a responsible board member, and those can be in short supply. Good public servants can come from all stripes.

djm12652

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 3:56 p.m.

@David Jesse, once again may I re-iterate...who cares where someone decides what school to send their children to? Should all A2 residents be forced to send their children to A2 schools? We still have here a non story. But just to see if you have your facts straight, when did Mr. Friedman enroll his children at Detroit Country Day?

David Jesse

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 3:02 p.m.

@Marvin: We did the initial story to put on the record the fact that Mr. Friedman had transferred his kids to a private school. In the course of doing our research, we found official records that seemed to highlight questions about his residency. We asked Randy about those and printed those responses in that initial story - which we held for several days while trying to get further information.

Marvin Face

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 2:42 p.m.

I guess what I don't like about how the story was delivered is that it was posted prior to all the fact being in. All the commenters get upset and a contoversy is started and for what? When the facts come out, it's a non-story. You have now turned a lot of people in this town against a devoted public servant. Mr. Friedman deserves better.. Next time, research the story that one little bit further. Take one extra day. Get all the information. Hit "send".

djm12652

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 2:24 p.m.

And this is affecting Ann Arbor Schools and residents how? Hmm, the article above states that "annarbor.com reported" the Friedmans purchased a home...blah blah blah...wow BREAKING NEWS! How come no one reported that I bought new bed linens last week...equally as newsworthy...you people never seem to amaze me by what YOU feel is important and/or news in this town. Just a wee bit envious that Detroit gets all the scandals? Trying to make one here are ya? This is really not a news portal but an avenue for the people at a2.com to voice their totally subjective opinions...it's getting old real fast folks.

treetowncartel

Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 2:11 p.m.

Lets put this to rest and let Mr. Friedman get back to his thankless efforts serving the people that live in the district.