I just came across an article from 1991. Capizzi's political machine hasn’t
changed much in nearly three decades.
Link to 1991 Record article titled: MONEY WOES FUEL
ELECTION -- 10 COMPETE FOR 4 SEATS ON LODI'S SCHOOL BOARD:
What was going on in the 1991 article?
Joe Capizzi received an 11% raise as the school board was
raising taxes 6.4% or $135 on the average Lodi taxpayer.
Then BOE President August Defalco (Debra Kwapnieski’s
brother) was defending Capizzi’s 11% pay raise and arguing against instituting
work sessions.
Not much has changed in three decades. Today’s “Children First” team is basically a
bunch of August Defalcos.
After Defalco left the board, Joe Capizzi rewarded him
with a high paying district position, public pension, big payout for sick days,
etc.
Board members that engage in bad behavior and defend bad
practices are getting something in return.
Keep that in mind with all “Children First” board members and
candidates.
