Sam Miller’s featured story, found in the Local Section on page 6, of today’s OC Register is entitled “Fleming asks District to pay legal fees.” Regardless of any decision by the Trustees of that District should taxpayers pick up the ($400 per hour) tab for any officials questionable conduct? While their Contracts surely provide protection against litigation for the normal performance of their duties and responsibilities, creating an enemies list, in my view, is beyond the scope of his job.
Dr. James Fleming, “once the highest-paid public education chief in Orange County,” was responsible for the education of 50,000 students. What message does his conduct send to those students and parents by his actions to support Trustees subject to a Recall effort?
What do our readers think about this request?
Email from a fellow blogger:
No they shouldn’t.
it was one thing to pay flemming’s legal bills during the investigation, but now that he has been indicted and charged with wrongdoing, flemming should not be given taxpayer funding for his criminal defense. since he did not perform his duties in good faith and/or used poor judgment, he should be responsible for his own defense. cathy schlicht
Another email response from south county:
Larry:
No—-I will however be vary glad to pay for his extended stay in jail.!!
I think he should have to rely on a brand new Public Defender fresh out of law school, who graduated from a SJC District high school before college, and make him pay for her hourly wages.