National Discord Comes Home

On Sunday I noticed a post on our station Facebook page. It came from a person who was asking whether or not we, the station, supported Gene Kollak? The person offered a screen shot of something they alleged Kollak posted on his private Facebook page.

I decided then and there to delete the post. If there was to be a raging controversy, it would have to happen somewhere other than our page. For me, what Kollak allegedly posted was not going to be a news story here. But then I knew others might see it differently.

All bets were off when Fairfield Public School District 112 issued a press release saying Kollak did not speak for the administration or staff. You see, Gene Kollak is a member of the board of education. Through the issuance of the press release, the school made it a news story. Superintendent Scott England said he got calls from inside and outside the district. Further, he said the board is working with legal staff to consider its options. I think that means they are considering a public censure of Kollak as provided in Illinois law. 

 I know I sure wouldn’t have said what Gene said. He used an unacceptable word in describing Christine Blasey-Ford, the woman who has accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, of sexually attacking her 35 years ago. What he said was not appropriate. I don’t condone it.

Having said that----Kollak has a first amendment right to say whatever he pleases as an individual. The school has a right to say Kollak does not speak for anybody but himself.

What happens next, if anything? It appears Kollak’s six school board colleagues will have to figure that out.