The Facts: The "Cook" in the "Kitchen"

We're going into "Dragnet" mode (just the facts, ma'am). You may draw your own conclusions.

John Cook Dowd is a retired "public relations" representative for the Everett Public Schools system. A resident of Watertown, he is known for the many ads and brochures that he has created for the superintendent of schools. He was one of a number of administrative employees that had worked for the superintendent for years without ever appearing in the school budget, a problem noted in the state auditor's report. Upon questioning during the budget process this year, the superintendent informed the city council that Mr. Dowd was retiring and his position didn't need to be budgeted.

John Dowd, at the same address in Watertown, appears in the Committee to Elect John Hanlon campaign finance report, earning $4000 as a "consultant" during the summer.

John Cook Dowd is now quietly back on the payroll of the school department as of September, despite his "retirement."

Questions:

1. Why did the school committee allow Fred to rehire Mr. Dowd without benefit of the budget process?

2. When did the school committee vote on it? Are there other "additions" that the public doesn't know about?

3. Is it true that no one ever really retires from the Everett school department - they merely come back as consultants?

4. Does this mean that the superintendent is involved with John Hanlon's campaign?

5. When will the Independent, the Leader Herald and the Advocate ask these questions publicly?