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Jim Paul : Do you believe Escambia School Superintendent Jim Paul should resign for his DUI arrest?
Comment: Yes, I agree, no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. However, holding this position of leadership within our school system, he should be held accountable. It's not just about making a mistake; we have all these children/teenagers who are a witness to all this. Where do we draw the line??? People in leadership at his level should be held to a higher standard. It is the same in our military and many ethical corporations in this country. In good conscience he should set the example and voluntarily step down. I can't vote for him if he chooses to stay. Clearly, we need to teach by example!!!
Pat and Betsy from Pensacola by Pat
Comment: I would say that Mr. Paul should be held to the Zero Tolerance policy set forth by the Dept.of Risk Managment for all Escambia county employees in regard to his driving privilages with the county. Even if he is an elected offical he should still be required to be held to this policy. (See Escambia County website for a full description of the policy). The policy spells out that termination is the result if your drivers licence are Revoked or supsended in his case once he has been convicted. There should be no other choice that can be made per the policy.If there is then there may possibly be litigatible cases of others that were termintated for the same offense. Then we the tax payer will foot the bill for that as well as letting Mr. Paul continue where he is. from Pensacola Florida by Needs to throw the towel in
Comment: he should not run for re-election, but he should not resign from Molino by Carl
Comment: He has zero tolerance for employees & students. He should not be excempt from his own rules.He was in Clearwater on county business. He's an embarassment to Escambia County. from Pensacola/Fl by Barb
Comment: no because he is human he made a mistake lik many people do he didnt deny it he fessed up to what he did from pensacola fl by DOLORES
Comment: The schools in Escambia County are D and F schools, and he is a bad example for the students. He expects his teachers and faculty to be held to a higher standard - Practice what you preach, dude!
If it were anyone else (common folks) than they would be forced to resign and have to pay court costs and fees!
Let's be fair!!! from Milton by Tammy
Comment: He should be setting positive examples for our children. Not only was he caught for DUI but his explanation does not add up. He should at least be honest about the incident. from Pensacola, Fl by Frank
Comment: He said that it was a mistake. If he wants to make mistakes like that he is in the wrong business. In the line of work their are to many young people that he has influence over. So that is why I think that he should step a side. He can show those young children the right thing to do instead of just talking about what the right thing is. by Deanna
Comment: I think Jim Paul should resign. Paul should give a true and accurate account of the event. He owes the taxpayers and the students of Escambia County honesty and respect. from Pensacola, Fl by Jan
Comment: Yea i beleive he should because he needs to set the highest example for our children and that was not a good example for him to be drinking and driving.And what does that show our kids if the superintendent does it. from molino/floridia by rebbecca
Comment: this sets a bad example for our kids and he should have consaquences for what he did from molino/Florida by paul
Comment: If he does not resign then he needs to restore all the teachers who have been made to resign for moral reasons. This is a moral issue. If my grandson was guilty of the same thing he would not be allowed to stay in a school in Escambia. Do the laws apply to everyone or just those who make less then 100,000 per year. JIM there is a program that can help. It is called Teen Challenge and we have a program in Pensacola. He needs to remember he should make example of himself. ZERO what? It is in the rules. by Ramona
Comment: I have two students in the Escambia County school district. My oldest son is old enough to drive and I am always talking to him about driving responsibilities and privileges. Not only is he taking his own life into his hands but the lives of others when he gets behind the wheel of a vehicle. If my son were to get caught drinking and driving as a student of the Escambia County School District he would be expelled and not allowed to return to his school. Is this a punishment that fits the crime? There is a "zero tolerant" policy which would not allow my children to make "mistakes" such as breaking the law and still maintain their status as students in the public school system. If this is the case then the "zero tolerance" policy should be upheld for the leadership as well. This brings me to the thought of the age old saying "Lead by example". It is my understanding that each teacher has to sign a moral clause stating they will uphold the law and the moral standards of the district. I do however feel there is room for forgiveness and Grace does abound but Jim Paul's readily admitted guilt does incriminate him. Apologies are much appreciated I'm sure by all of the parents and students. We all make mistakes and fail in areas and we all pay the price for our mistakes in one way or another.
Faith and trust were granted when Jim Paul was elected into office in hopes that our most precious possessions, our children, would be guarded, protected and taught principles that would take them far in life. Granted he really has no influence over the children like their teachers do but when news such as this is made public then what exactly is it teaching our children?
It is the responsibility of Teachers, Parents and most definitely the Superintendent of the School District to uphold behavior which models the citizens we would like for our children to become. I would ask that he resign pay restitution. Perhaps, volunteer his services to the school board for the remainder of the year as sort of an Expulsion so to speak. This would then teach the children that we make mistakes but we can be adults and honorable people that ultimately do the right thing. Then perhaps in November if the parents of this wonderful county that we live in see fit re-elect Jim Paul for Superintendent and allow him the "HONOR" to be a leader in the system. He would then see the importance of the influence of his position. by Tina
Comment: Yes,because he influnces so many children. from Molino by James
Comment: Mr. Paul should step down, because it is bad for the students not to understand the seriousness of what he did and the serious consequences that they might face should they do the same thing. A School Superintendent should be held to the highest standards, as should anyone in a leadership position, including judges and heads of state. I wish all the actors and actresses in Hollywood that engage in portraying things bad for kids would also resign, but I do not see any realistic recourse there. I think the only thing that would work there is for people not to patronize their movies. With Mr. Paul there is nothing to boycott. I do not believe he is a terrible person. I just think he should step down, because of his influence over young minds. Not to do so, in my mind, would be bad decision #2. from McDavid, FL by Elizabeth
Comment: Mr. Paul is a public Offical that we the voters put into office to oversee and set an example for our youth. He really set a good one like this, and to top it off...Mr Paul setting another fine example lying through his teeth, like most people couldn't figure out ,he had to have had more than 2 glasses of wine...come on Mr Paul...do you really think the public is that stupid? from Pensacola/Florida by Tim
Comment: He should resign. He DID NOT take responsibilty for his actions. He is already setting up his defense: talking about the officers taking away his glasses; he felt "fine", he thought he passed the field sobriety test; he only had two glasses hours before the stop. Talk to any criminal defense attorney or prosecutor - those "facts" are some of the scenarios often presented in efforts to eventually get alcohol blood tests and breathlyzers thrown out. Besides, he has lost all credibility with the students and parents.
from Pensacola by Debra
Comment: He was charged with a misdemeaner offense. It was also a first offense. If another employee is charged with the same thing, they are not fired or asked to resign. Although I think he acted in very poor judgement, he should not have to resign. However, DON'T do it again, or I can't support you.
by S
Comment: Since there is zero tolerance for students in schools, this case should not be treated any differently. from Cantonment, FL by Page
Comment: I don't think Mr Jim Paul should not resign. However Mr Jim Paul should be held responsiblr for his own action. from pensacola/fl by tho
Comment: he should not run again he damaged his self with his excuses..he's a drunk and a liar by john
Comment: one night should not wipe out seven years from Pensacola by Cary
Comment: What kind of standard has he set for our children? If its okay to let him slide on his DUI, then why should we have a NO TOLERANCE policy in our school systems. from Jay, FL by Nichole
Comment: Mr. Paul has accomplished more in the 7 years as Super. than anyone else. He has made some hard, unpopular decisions and it was to better the school system. I believe him to be honest and regrets deeply his decision to drink. I believe that something good with come from all this. from Molino, Fl by Sarah
Comment: Terrible example, after all the hoopla over Benny Washington (not to say that Washington was not in the wrong). Karma is really something. However, I wouldn't expect him to do the honorable thing and resign, because it seems no matter what someone has done, at the end of the day it always the dollars. Who's to say that he didn't have a bag of Marijuanna or Cocaine in his posession that the police didn't find. Why else would someone be out that time of morning. He's not the man that I would want in charge of my kids educational career. Anyone that would jeopardize innocent driver's, is nothing more than a educated, white collar, selfish, political criminal if you ask me. from Pensacola, FL by Robert
Comment: I have a daughter that was suspendened because she had a nail clipper in her pocket.Based on zero tolerance policy , she was not forgiven of her mistake and recived a 2-year suspention from esc.co. schools. Its is not fair if he gets a secound chance and our kids do not.If he stays,he should go back to all of the suspended kids list and forgive them, and give them a second chance. from pace,fl by john
Comment: He seems genuine in his account of events. I trust him. from Pensacola, FL by Britt
Comment: In light of Ted Kennedy, the Clinton's and W. D. Childers, this is a minor event. from Pensacola, Fl by Mike
Comment: I voted for him but he definitely needs to go. He's supposed to be a role model for the county's children, not an example of what not to do. He's lost a lot of his constituents' respect. from Pensacola, FL by Jan
Comment: He could have killed someone driving on the Courtney Campbell, fortunately he was pulled over before anything happened. He needs to set an example to the students of Escambia County.
from Pensacola, Fl by Irene
Comment: Yes, i think he should resign. So he apologized, this does not make it right. He is in a political office and none the less a School Superintendent. He is supposed to be a role model for the community and the children in the Escambia County School System. He could have taken an innocent life or even his own while driving, there should not be any special consideration given to him either. from Milton, Florida by Shirley
Comment: No he shouldn't resign. What he did was against himself, not the school. It wasn't even school related. Granted it shouldn't have happened and he will pay dearly. Why can't he use this mistake to teach others? from PENSACOLA, FL by DEBORAH
Comment: Yes, i think he should resign. So he apologized, this does not make it right. He is in a political office and none the less a School Superintendent. He is supposed to be a role model for the community and the children in the Escambia County School System. He could have taken an innocent life or even his own while driving, there should not be any special consideration given to him either. from Milton, Florida by Shirley
Comment: ABSOLUTELY
Comment: I dont believe he should resign because (dont take this the wrong way) i know people who have gotten DUI's and nothing really comes of it to them in court and out of court. The only reason why everyone thinks its a big deal is for the fact that he is the Superintendent and thats all. Poelpe should leave him alone bc of his DUI, it doesnt make him any less of a Superintendent for what he does in his person life. from Pensacola,FL by Kathrine
Comment: I Thank He Should Resign Because He Committed A Crime
For Driving Under InFlunice
Of Alcohol And Needs To Step Down And Go Alcohol Treatment
School And Try For His Position Later After He Get Help. from Pensacola Fl. by Gary
Comment: First the how much alcohol does it take to blow .128? in reality not much- not to mention he was in a different city. Yes it's a mistake- and he will pay: no license for 6 months- to a year, DUI school, MADD classes, counseling, lots of money and embarassment. He's done a great job and one mistake
(that he will pay for) dosen't discard his hard work! from Pensacola Fl by Samantha
Comment: It's extremely hard to to convey to teenagers to "do as I say, not as I do". I applaud Mr. Paul to owning up to drinking and driving, but I have a hard time swallowing that he only had two glasses of wine and his BAC was still so high several hours later from Pensacola by Kim
Comment: I believe Jim Paul should resign because he is a leader to all middle school and high schoolers if students see him doing something and there was no punishment then think what students will do when they enter the real world society from Pensacola/FL by Mark
Comment: With this behavior, it sets a terrible example. The fact that he does not deny he did it, is of no consequence. He should have acted more responsible and mature. And why was he at a casino when on a business trip? I doubt this was the first time he did it, just the first time getting caught.
I have no faith in the man after this, especially when he is in charge of the school board. Shame on him. from Cantonment by J
Comment: he fires teachers if they do wrong. he's no different then them
Comment: I believe that Jim Paul made a mistake, however while we must teach our children that there are consequences to our mistakes, I don't believe that his resignation is needed. He has admitted his guilt and is willing to go through the proper steps that are already in place for the school district. People who are screaming for his resignation are simply on a witch hunt. He's already been humbled enough. from Milton, FL by Gray
Comment: Yes, because public officials are held to a higher standard. Especially when they are connected to our school systems and expected to be a good example. from Fort Walton Beach/FL by Debra
Comment: It had nothing to do with his job/career. from Flomaton, AL by Steven
Comment: NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT. Its time to forgive. There is not enough forgiveness in this country and all seem to be going after each other for being human. Teachers should be forgiven too. Their not perfect and neither are any of us. Jim Paul and all teachers should not be splattered all over the internet for human mistakes.
Think about forgiveness!!! from pensacola fl by j
Comment: Why should he resign? You would have the majority of people in teaching positions resiging for having a drink Why does the news (TV & Paper) always have to stir up some dirt? You answer that one for me. by Lin
Comment: But not for the DUI, rather for using a rental vehicle charged to the Escambia County School District for private use.
Comment: This will probably never be read or even addressed but I would like to put my 3 cents in on the Mr. Paul DUI.
Yes! he should keep his job. Yes he should get written up and sent into the State Disciplinary Board for following, as all licensed professionals in the State have to do when they make a mistake. He should pay his fines and go through the legal process like anyone else. PLEASE !!! !!!! “He who has not sinned, should cast the first stone” And last time I checked…No one, I know, in this area’s Father is GOD and is names JESUS??? Or am I missing the part about the ones coming down so hard on him…Well they must be Ultra Conserative Right Winged Republicans!!
from florida by sheridan
Comment: I think the example that was set by this incident shows just how crooked Pensacola is. First of all, the thought of drinking to an intellectual such as Jim Paul should disgust him. Many people look up to him, but it just comes to show that he is only human. from Pensacola, FL by Jamichael
Comment: No he should not resign but he should be held accountable for his poor judgement. He should have to reconnize all the students in Escambia County that have been killed by a Drunk Driver. from Pensacola, FL by Sandy
Comment: It is very tiresome for the media to be judge and jury on issues such as these. Should the sheriff and county commissioner be held to the same standards as Mr. Paul. We elect these officers and we should let our judicial system do its work. God forgives sinners and mistakes. from Milton, FL by Linda
Comment: I did not vote for Jim Paul as superintendent, therefore I think that after this incident Jim Paul should be replaced. from Molino, Florida by Angie
Comment: i dont think he should resign for the fact that it happen on his own time and in his own personal life, which none of us can judge anyone who makes mistakes in their personal life. We all make mistakes and all you really can do is just learn from it and talk with others to let them hear what your consequences are for your actions. I will vote for him for the fact that while he is the Superintendent he has done a great job and thats what everyone should look at. The only reason why everyone is making a big deal about is for the fact it made papers, but think of this what if it never made it to the papers and we never heard about it would you think of him any different? from p/cola,fl by !
Comment: jim paul should be held to a higher standard than everyone else in the school system that he is in charge of.this abuse of alcohol is no different than what the washinton high coach was charged with.jim paul showed this man no compassion,so what i as a parent would like to know is why his standards are different. i voted for paul, but not this time. HE IS HISTORY TO ME!!!!!! from PENSACOLA, FL by RICHARD
Comment: I guess we should have everyone resign, or fire anyone who's ever had a DUI, or speeding ticket, (I bet Speeding is right up there with DUI traffic related deaths).
What are we instilling in our children, When you make a mistake, just Quit, Life is over? Or, do we try to teach them to take responsibility of their actions, and try to correct it, and to move on??
As far a "John" from Pace, Fl. That's absurd to compare his child's suspension for having nail clippers at School, to Mr. Paul's case. He wasn't drunk nor drinking at school, so it seems his claim is based more on revenge than it is of merit. Like Jesus said, "Let He without sin, cast the first stone".
And no, I've never been charged with a DUI. from Milton, Fl by M.
Comment: Jim Paul should resign because of his DUI arrest. He is no longer fit to be Supt. of Schools. Faculty, staff, students and parents need someone in that position that they can truly respect. The zero tolerance policy should apply to Jim Paul just as it does all students. from Pensacola by Karen
Comment: Let's all just take a deep breath and think about this for a moment. Mr. Paul made a grave error in judgement. Thank God no one was hurt as a result. From the first he has been forthright about the issue and has done nothing to avoid the consequences of his action. I've got to believe that the vast majority of those calling for him to resign are those who had some personal axe to grind with him. from Cantonment, FL by Wayne
Comment: No teacher gets fired for a DUI. Mr. Paul is, in fact, being treated as a teacher would be treated in similar circumstances. Why are we so vicious in this area? I recommend more time in a good Sunday school class for many of your viewers. from Cantonment, FL by Debbie
Comment: only god is perfect from pns,fl. by john
Comment: I am a concerned parent of an 8 year old. I find this entire incident disturbing. I believe that when you are in a position of leadership and have the potential to have children of all ages look up to as a role model, that your personal life is your professional life. As teachers and other such jobs where you work with or for children that we should expect more from you. I also feel that if he will recieve the same punishment that a teacher would recieve,then the policy should be changed! I feel that he is only sorry for being caught. He seems to have alot of excuses, everything from he couldn't sleep to, he didn't eat dinner. What would the excuse have been if he had killed a child? The is no excuse that is acceptable. He should know better. After all, he sees many students of our district each year killed in dui related accidents. He should have been proactive instead of reactive. Don't drive drunk and you won't have anything to apologize for. from Cantonment, Fl
Comment: Mr. Paul has allowed some very unprofessional things to happen under his watch. He has done more to cause problems in our schools and with our teachers. He needs to go ASAP. from Pensacola, Florida by T
Comment: As the State of Florida will Suspend his Driver License for a period of time. Does Escambai County pay him for the use of his vehicle or give him a vehicle to use? If so, as a tax payer while he is under suspension the vehcile should be taken away and not payment give to him for the use of his own vehicle. The State of Florida may give him a permit for business purposes only to drive to and from work, but the tax payers you and I shoudl not pay for his convenience. from Penscola FL by Robert
Comment: This was a one-time mistake, not a pattern in his life. He deserves another chance. But if it happens again, yes, he should resign. from Pace,FL by Lisa
Comment: Not at this time. Complete his tour, but do not run again. from cantonment / fl by h
Comment: Yes, He should do the respectable thing and resign. Lead by example, send a message to the teachers and other people who are in charge of our children that drinking and driving is unacceptable. NO MATTER WHAT! He should be ashamed of himself. We should demand that this elected official be held to a higher standard. He was not on his own personal time, he was "on the clock" at an education convention representing our county. I don't know of any other job that would not terminate your employment immediatly. We are his boss and we should demand his resignation or terminate him for his actions. He has stated that he will accept his punishment, then take a hint from the people and resign before thousands of tax payers dollars have to be spent getting him out. If he cared about the district as he says he does then he will save us the time and money and he can run for re election in November and see how it goes....... from Pensacola by Tina
Comment: Absolutley! Not because of the misdemeanor DUI but because he was on a business trip, using taxpayer funds to be there and representing our school district. At 12:30 or 3:30a, does he really think we believe he would be up and ready to attend another day of conference after drinking at a "casino"? School function = ZERO TOLERANCE. How dare he have the gall to not step down. Maybe the "casino" will release the surveillence tapes and we can see if Jim needs remedial math for simple addition of "1 + 5 does NOT equal 2. from pensacola by melinda
Comment: Even though I do have sympathy for Mr. Paul, I do feel that he should pay the consequences of his actions. Its something we all must endure. from Milton, FL by Melissa
Comment: Jim Paul needs to go and so does Patty Hightower and Boone. from pensacola, fl by t
Comment: He wants a zero tolerance in the school system, then that should apply to him also. He would not allow teachers or students to make excuses. from Pensacola FL by Becky
Comment: Had the gentleman been politically appointed instead of elected, I haven't a doubt that he would have been fired.
That said, the argument that he is only human and has the same human weaknesses as the rest of us, doesn't hold water either. We hold all of our public servants to a "higher standard". A police officer or firefighter would have been put on some type of leave pending an official department inquiry. Why then should we not hold our chief public education official to the same high standard? from Mary Esther, FL. by Tom
Comment: Mr. Paul is a wonderful educator. He created a bond with the students at Escambia like that of no other teacher. Everyone deserves a second chance. from Cantonment/FL by Barbara
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