Philosophy, stubbornness reasons why Williams would not be missed
DAN MEYER Political Columnist
He's been stirring the pot since he first came to town, so it's really no surprise that the latest furor caused by the revelation that James Williams is a finalist for a school superintendent position in Tennessee has opened up a public dialogue on whether or not Williams' departure would help or hinder the City of Buffalo School District.

For what it's worth, my evaluation of Williams' flirtation with the job in Memphis can be summed up in a 12-word phrase that a dearly departed family member often used to utter - "Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya."

Simply put, just like certain politicians who have worn out their welcome (former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra immediately comes to mind) for one reason or another, Williams has expired when talking about the shelf life of a public official whose name and seemingly everything he or she touches become toxic.

Williams has been controversial since he first came to Buffalo three years ago. While he gets credit for spearheading initiatives that have helped improve certain aspects of what happens in the classroom and on the athletic field, he has more than his fair share of clouds of uncertainty floating over his head when speaking directly to his leadership and management skills and his approach to running the school district on a day-to-day basis.

It's that philosophy of one-size-fits-all that has caused Williams to butt heads with some folks, namely Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore. Williams didn't get off on the right foot with Rumore, spewing out that infamous "snake in the grass" comment that was soon followed by a threat to use his fists to straighten Rumore out.

Part of his stubbornness comes from his ego and also from his approach to direct interaction with others. Say what you want about Rumore and his cohorts from the teachers' union, but please don't forget that eight of the nine unions that represent district employees have been unable to reach an agreement with the city on new contracts, a serious blight on Williams' resume that you can add to that lengthy list of unfinished projects that have not come to fruition while Williams has been at the helm.

I find myself analyzing him based more on his personality clashes with others and outright refusal to take the blame when someone has to be held accountable than for any of the work he did to help improve the learning atmosphere in the district.

His agenda is peppered with pettiness and a personal ambition to push the blame onto others. He's not afraid to throw others under the bus in attempts to cover his own backside. His horrific handling of the controversies at City Honors School, Discovery School 67 and McKinley High School has more than a few city officials privately cheering for Williams to knock the socks off the folks in Memphis and get offered the job.

If Williams ends up not getting that gig or is offered the position and then decides to turn it down, what we are left with is a lame duck administrator who has very little support since so many bridges have already been burned.

It's sad, because I was among those who really believed Williams had what it takes to lead the district to new heights and take a strong stand for the children and the taxpayers of Buffalo. His initial work was inspiring and had people talking that maybe he was the chief executive officer that the city has so desperately needed to give students, teachers and other district employees hope that great things can be realized through cooperation, determination and inspiration.

Williams has resorted to playing favorites, name-calling and outright bullying. Yes, the majority of the School Board should not escape blame for failing to find an answer to the real problem that faces Buffalo, specifically how to fix a system that is severely flawed and in drastic need of a complete overhaul. But ultimately, the buck starts and stops with Williams.

Buffalo's school system is in no better shape than it was prior to Williams arriving. His leadership style can best be described as arrogant, incompetent and belligerent.

A demand for no more theatrical antics and petty personal politics is needed. It starts with Williams leaving Buffalo.

(Opinions are those of the author.)