“I see it as being 6 times more effective. I see it as me being 6 times more popular. I see it as being 6 times more compassionate. I don’t think I’ve over used it.”

That was Betty Jean Grant explaining to Channel 7 reporter Steve Barber why her cell phone usage almost equals all the other school board members combined.

My questions are:

• Why are the Buffalo School Board Members provided with cell phones? 
• What business could possibly be that urgent?
• Why are a large amount of her calls to Antoine Thompson’s office?

Many were to state senator elect Antione Thompson, his campaign headquarters, his chief of staff and even those who donated to his campaign. According to board of elections supervisor Ralph Mohr, using a government paid cell phone for a campaign violates the state constitution. “There’s a state constitution prohibition against using the public services or funds for any private individual or public corporation for public purpose, and a campaign would fall under that category of individual or private corporation purpose. ” said Mohr.

Campaign records also show that Grant donated to Thompson and was even reimbursed for expenses related to the campaign. “When he had parties I reimbursed for balloons I was reimbursed. I did not get paid I was not on a salary on the campaign. What I did for the councilman was a love for him and a love for committee.” said Grant.

The moral of the story is if you are having a party, call Betty Jean because she is full of hot air!

Calling Frank Clark, oh FRANK . . .what, if anything, are you going to do about this?