Letter: 'Poor Judgement' Used in Barrett Case

Richard Barrett is the husband of Liz Barrett, vice president of the Kings Park Board of Education.

To the Editor;

I was extremely disturbed by the letter written by William Motherway. I would like to address the following specific statements that are incorrect and one sided regarding the accusations against my wife Liz Barrett.

1. Statement; “Our school district received a complaint from a community member containing accusations that confidential district information was being shared with people whom were not privy to hear it.”

Response: The complaint was from a third party non credible person named Tricia Johnston regarding dated allegations. Bill was well aware of the fact that Tricia Johnston had a grudge against and has harassed Liz Barrett for over a year. The harassment all started after Tricia Johnston was asked to leave my house when her welcome wore out. She drove away vowing revenge. Stating; “No one throws me out of their home, you will be sorry!”  As far as the accusations of shared confidential information; “Off course Tricia could only hear it from Liz Barrett since everyone else in this town is so tight lipped” (we all know that’s a joke). Also, some people chose not to distinguish between situations that Liz engaged as a concerned family member and not as a board member. 

2. Statement; “Upon the advice of our district's retained counsel, I personally attempted to contact Mrs. Barrett to discuss the complaint. Mrs. Barrett never responded to any of my requests and, instead, chose to retain a private criminal attorney to handle this matter on her behalf.”

Response: Liz Barrett was first notified by Motherway via an email and she called him back within one hour of receipt. Motherway did not return her call.  There are phone records.  Liz had discussions on this matter with the BoE Vice President. They said they sought council already and wanted her to meet on the Sunday morning of my son’s Communion. At that point she felt threatened and decided to seek counsel from an Education attorney not a Criminal attorney.  Any practicing lawyer should know the difference.

3.     Statement; “Special Counsel thoroughly investigated this matter and upon the conclusion of their investigation, recommended to the Board to refer this matter to the Commissioner of Education for his review, which we did.”

Response:  Bill you followed the advice from the same “Crackerjack” counsel that could not follow simple filing guidelines and did not file under the correct language of the law.

4. Statement; “As a life-long Kings Parker, an attorney, and someone who has given a great deal to our town, I have an incredible amount of respect for anyone that chooses to run for the Board of Education. It is a mostly thankless job, and the challenges are enormous.”

Response: Bill as a life-long Kings Parker you should of considered the sources of these accusations and given the respect for a fellow BoE member that they deserve. If so, you would not have been so aggressive pursuing counsel for an alleged matter that supposedly happened more than a year ago. One can only assume you had alternative motive. 

Bill once again you showed poor judgment not only in your belief that Liz Barrett indeed did what was alleged and by your handing of the accusations as the president of the BoE.

Liz has responded to all accusations formally to the Commissioner with corresponding affidavits.  I am sorry her case was not viewed in its entirety. 

Liz Barrett is innocent, let’s stop the nonsense and move on!

Richard Barrett