The News Journal has called for Jim Paul to resign. Here is our position – which will be published in tomorrow’s paper:
Outtakes – 1/17/08
FORGIVE As I read and listen to the public response to the DUI arrest of Escambia County Superintendent of Schools Jim Paul, I can’t help but hear the theme song to the movie “Jaws” in my head. There is definitely a feeding frenzy happening among those who enjoy a good scandal.
The reactions range from demanding that Paul resign to accusations the superintendent must be a closet alcoholic or have a gambling addiction. Paul’s arrest is wrapped up in a nice bundle with the drug arrests of Rev. Hugh King Jr. and Coach Benny Washington.
On the blogs and web forums, it’s a good old-fashioned lynching by an anonymous crowd hiding behind names like “There You GO,” “wolfgangholla” and “freakzilla.” For a community with a Christian church on nearly every street corner, forgiveness apparently doesn’t come easy.
Yes, Jim Paul made a mistake, but these reactions are so out of proportion with the offense. And before you turn the attack dogs on me, I had the same opinion on the public reactions to the arrests of King and Washington. We shouldn’t throw away the careers and ignore the good that these men have done because of one transgression.
Paul should never have gotten into his rental car in Clearwater and tried to drive back to his hotel, after having a few glasses of wine. However, he has admitted his mistake and will seek help through the school system’s Employee Assistance Program. Paul plans to personally apologize to students by talking with the student councils of each high school. He will do the community service hours and attend the classes required by the courts of all those convicted of a misdemeanor DUI offense.
Paul has been a good leader of the Escambia County public school system. He took over a school district that had constant turnover with a new superintendent being elected every four years for nearly two decades. He dealt with low teacher salaries and was willing to address the need to close some of the older schools that had dwindling enrollments.
As teacher at Escambia High School, Paul was an inspiration to his students. Many are still in the area and have called to tell me what a wonderful teacher Paul was. A couple told me about how Paul would warn the kids about the dangers of alcohol, especially around prom. He would often offer to pick the kids up if they had too much to drink or were in a crowd that had been drinking and take them to their homes – no questions asked. The callers knew of a few times Paul actually did just that.
Paul is one the good guys in local politics. He’s honest, willing to address tough issues and has made the Escambia school system better over the past seven years. Unlike others we have elected to public office, there are no ego issues with Paul. The schools, teachers and students come first.
Paul should not resign because of his DUI arrest. He needs to seek counseling, attend the required classes and perform his community service hours. He needs to meet with students and talk about his mistake and how it’s easy, even for school superintendents, to fall victim to alcohol.
Then in September 2008, the voters will decide whether Jim Paul deserves another term in office. Either the sharks will feast or Paul will be truly forgiven.
Rick Outzen is Independent News publisher. rick@inweekly.net