Sex and the Los Osos sewer

June 17, 2011

Paavo Ogren

By KAREN VELIE

A vehicle crash into a San Luis Obispo creek has revealed the extent of a personal relationship between a top county official and a Los Osos Community Services District board member—raising allegations of a possible conflict of interest.

Accusations that Paavo Ogren, San Luis Obispo County Public Works Director and Maria Kelly, vice president of the Los Osos Community Services District, have been conspiring to help push through a $200 million sewer project have surfaced because the couples’ teenage children, from former marriages, drove a car down a 20-foot embankment into San Luis Creek on June 14.

“In the context of the waste water project for the community, Ms. Kelly has been a proxy for Paavo Ogren,” said Jeff Edwards, a 30-year resident of Los Osos.

Thursday, as suspicions grew that Kelly had been staying in San Luis Obispo with Ogren rather than living in the district she represents as required to serve on the board, Kelly abruptly stepped down from her position as vice president of the district.

“Unfortunately, as I evaluate my current situation and the needs of my children, I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that I must immediately step down, since I do not believe I can provide the commitment and attention that the Board of Directors requires and that the community of Los Osos deserves,” Kelly said in her letter of resignation.

Maria Kelly

Ogren’s son is presently facing a felony drunk driving charge after driving Kelly’s son and two other teens into the creek. Police said the teens resided in San Luis Obispo and Atascadero. None provided Los Osos as their place of residence.

Ogren and Kelly began spending time together about two to three years ago, around the time Kelly was elected to the board. Over the years, the couple was observed discussing strategy prior to meetings causing some to question if a conflict of interest existed.

In 2010, Kelly left her husband, transferred her children to San Luis Obispo schools and moved in with Ogren. Every other week, she would spend a few days with her children at her former home in Los Osos.

Kelly and her ex-husband are attempting to sell their former residence.

For years, Kelly has advocated in favor of Ogren’s vision for the Los Osos sewer plant – a $200 million controversial sewage system slated to serve about 12,500 people.

“I’m happy to be here and I’m happy to be here in support of the county — and I’m happy to be in support of county staff. I’ve been a broken record on that they’ve been extremely professional, helpful, diligent and very responsive to the community,” Kelly said during a September 2009 San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meeting.

“I already had to take one job due to budget cuts at Cal Poly. I’m willing to take another. I love Los Osos that much. I’m willing to do what I have to do to keep my family there and raise my children,” Kelly added at the time.

Meanwhile, CalCoastNews has learned Ogren’s home is allegedly a frequent after school “party house ” where teens go to smoke and drink. One parent of a teen who was in the accident, said they have found the teens partying after school at Ogren’s home on several occasions.

Ogren and Kelly did not return requests for comment.


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Maria Kelly — the Gail Wilcox of Los Osos.


Mary….it’s RYAN Mason, not BRYAN Mason.


To all of the readers who could not possibly discern who I was talking about when I typed “Bryan Mason” in the context of “special treatment”….my apologies.


My advice to Maria as her close personal friend is to invite Ve-lie to a press conference at her HOME in Los Osos. Or better yet, lets have the local radio version of the Enquirer, Congalton, do his show from her HOME in LOS OSOS!


What sort of hard hitting journalism is it to call up the angry ex-husband (his home is in SAN LUIS OBIPSO) for some “fact checking”?


Lol, busted in under 2 hours… I love teh intr0netz!


Please, no intentional mis-use of a persons name, NONE, big rule. attack the message, main points, all you wish

ATTACKS on the messenger, reporter not allowed.

Crap like that belongs to AM radio and schoolyards, not text based community conversation. thank you ??????


Crap like that belongs to AM radio and schoolyards because that is where you hear it,

text is a different medium, images persist, correct names only . please,


Right on Walk the Talk! This article is worse than something out of National Enquirer! Check your facts! This woman’s son was in a bad car accident on Tuesday! This could have been anybody’s kid. Give her a break! This article is the spewings of an angry ex-husband and the ubiquitous Julie Tacker sticking her nose in. Time to move on. The sewer is happening, period.


Instead of attacking the messenger (in this case, Karen Valie), you would have more credibility if you refuted the facts contained in the article.


Also, you can spare me the pity-party about the kid. Nothing is as obnoxious as a parent using a kid to shield themselves from blame.


If you are so concerned about the kid, however, go talk to Maria Kelly about it. SHE is the parent. What was she doing when the accident occurred? Why wasn’t she monitoring the activities of her child?


i defend 100 percent the content of the radio conversation from Friday. You can assert all you want that Maria Kelley is a full-time resident of Los Osos, but that is simply not the case.


And I would be glad to broadcast from her Los Osos house — she’s obviously not using it! I might as well.


Get your real estate agent and come on over!

You always have spelled my name wrong – it’s Kelly.


Well, B#llsh#t has been called Dave! Bring r0y with you.


Standing by something is wise, you dont want to be under it when it collapses…


“Get your real estate agent and come on over!”


Good Luck Maria, Who is going to move to Los Osos knowing that it will cost them an extra $400 a month to poop?


Thanks Nancy I love you, but I do live in los osos, the valley of bullshit and bearcrap and I’d like to keep a positive outlook on life, wish all you new comers had never made it here, but to blame is to name and you seem to be the treasurer!

Shame on you think of how many old people you just made poop their pants, keep it clean and honest you don’t know how much it will cost!

Besides if the costs go too high I’ll shut off the water and poop on your lawn!.


That’s all you got? Wrong spelling of yer husband’s name? Defend yourself, lady. On second thought, resign, move away, we can’t take anymore of Maria Kelly.


Too many cozy relationships in this County. Between Wallace, the Seitz brothers, Ogren, all the members of the LOCSD (past and present lovers included) it is just the tip of the iceberg to expose this relationship. Someone should also look into LOCAC. There is one member there who laughs at everything and seems it is all a big joke.

Edwards for GM of Oceano CSD = you have to be kidding.


What? You think those who run the government are actually going to hire someone OUTSIDE their comfort zone? Come on…


RE: Edwards GM’ing Oceano CSD……….If he get’s it and starts pulling crap in that town like he did here in L.O. he will need body guards. I wish he’d clean up the messes he made here before he goes on to another one. Maybe pay off some people he burned.


This article does not have all correct information.

I see many flaws in this article that contain biased statements

as far as a report on this topic this article has no base and seems to be wondering aimlessly on incidents in both maria and paavos personal life that do not corralate with the sewer project in Los Osos. To my knowledge the citizens of Los Osos voted in favor of the new sewer project. So why are these representatives still being antagonized for what the majority of the population wanted?


switching los osos from septic tanks to a sewer system has been a project the county has been a project for well over 5 years. the county has had to re-address the problem of septic tanks multiple different times with in the last couple of decades. they hired paavo ogren hoping he could actually make these changes in the septic system happen since the last people who had his position couldnt.


As far as Maria and Paavo having a relationship , since when did there become a witch hunt on the personal lives . Maria and Paavo never moved in together.and her kids love her. this article clearly did not back up there sources or for that fact have reliable sources . Both of their sons are friends due to the fact that they attendend junior high in san luis obispo and continued going to school at SLO high together she did not transfer them in 2010 they had always gone to slo high. and that has nothing to do with maria and paavos personal relationship or the quality of work they are doing at there jobs. Unless it is illegal for these government officials to have a relationship, their names should not be slaughtered because of it.


It is rude, immature and unnessecary to incorporate thier childrens lives in this article. nothing but grief and sadness arose from this accident. just as any kid in a drunk driving accident im sure it is true that paavo’s son feels extremely regretful and must try and accept the mistakes he made and move on. as for ogrens home being a “party house” for kids i think it would be smart to check the source of this comment and be sure it is backed up as well as the rest of the information in this article. karen veile seems to have made alot of assumptions about ogren and kellys personal lives and so the saying goes, “an assumption makes and ass out of you and me!” good going veile, next time i suggest doing your job better and actually researching and having the evidence necassary before slaughtering the names of good people and their kids. it makes me wonder how you sleep at night knowing you are writing complete lies.

as for myself ….

if some how you manage to sleep at night know that YOU and your words have emotionally TORTURED me . so even if your just trying to stir the pot i hope you know your LIES of written word are not serving any real news, only making the world disturbed/ and scared by a false perception.


“As far as Maria and Paavo having a relationship , since when did there become a witch hunt on the personal lives ….”


As long as Maria Kelly recused herself from voting on any issues that had to do with the County, such as the WWT project, and as long as she didn’t use her status as LOCSD board VP to swing things one way or the other by appearing at SLOCo BOS meetings and commenting under the banner of her VP position at the LOCSD, then there are no issues.


Oh, that’s right. She DIDN’T recuse herself from voting on County-connected, conflict-of-interest-laden issues as VP of the LOCSD board, and she DID appear before the BOS under the banner of her VP position, praising the county for …whatever…was convenient for Pavvo at that moment.


In fact, “For years, Kelly has advocated in favor of Ogren’s vision for the Los Osos sewer plant – a $200 million controversial sewage system slated to serve about 12,500 people.’


If I was Maria Kelly, I’d be getting myself a good lawyer. We all saw what happened to the City of Bell crooks who tried to pull the “vote-for-sale” scam.


————-

“…It is rude, immature and unnessecary to incorporate thier childrens lives in this article. nothing but grief and sadness arose from this accident. just as any kid in a drunk driving accident im sure it is true that paavo’s son feels extremely regretful and must try and accept the mistakes he made and move on. as for ogrens home being a “party house” for kids i think it would be smart to check the source of this comment and be sure it is backed up as well as the rest of the information in this article. karen veile seems to have made alot of assumptions about ogren and kellys personal lives and so the saying goes, “an assumption makes and ass out of you and me!” …


1. Spare me the self-righteous concerns about the kids. The parents are responsible for the Ogren-Kelly brood’s mayhem, not strangers on a message board. The kids were involved in a drunk-driving accident. They made themselves and their behavior a public matter. If the kids don’t want to be discussed publicly, they might try not getting involved in drunken acting out that leads to accidents.


2. You don’t refute the claim that the Ogren house is a “party house” for kids. All you do is “attack the messenger.”


3. KV doesn’t make “assumptions.” She reports the results of her research and interviews.


4. What are the “lies” about which you speak? You didn’t refute the “party house” statement. Their kids got into an accident and at least one of them, the driver, was drunk.


————-


“as for myself ….

if some how you manage to sleep at night know that YOU and your words have emotionally TORTURED me . so even if your just trying to stir the pot i hope you know your LIES of written word are not serving any real news, only making the world disturbed/ and scared by a false perception.”


Oh, my…by your comment – “YOU and your words have emotionally TORTURED me…–one might think you are Maria Kelly. Who else would be “tortured” by comments by strangers on a message board over the Kelly-Ogren affair and their kids’ trouble with the law?


MM, I understand that you had to say it like it is but if that is Maria, she really is “emotionaly TORTURED”, right now. Maria as I recall, has a confident and equally kind nature. Seeing this stuff in the papers has got to have her very depressed and wondering what she did that was so wrong. I don’t think she fully understands, she was new to politics and jumped in feet first.


Cindy, I usually agree with your posts, but on this matter we don’t appear to see eye to eye.


I no longer have patience for self-serving politicians who use their power to serve themselves and their pals, benefactors, or business associates. Our country is going to hell in a handbasket because of the exact same type of actions Kelly did.


My concern about her not recusing herself and pimping her position as VP of LOCSD’s board supersedes her personal issues. If she is “emotionally tortured,” she has no one but herself to blame.


I don’t believe she didn’t “fully understand” she needed to recuse herself, and that she could not use her position as VP to advance the career of her secret lover. She was on the board way too long to now claim the “blushing political virgin” defense, which is no defense, anyway.


She did not do her job and work for the best for the LOCSD customers…she worked for the best for herself and Ogren.


She’s just another unethical, self-serving politician who abused the public’s trust and may very well have acted illegally.


Maria’s “confident and equally kind nature” really is not the issue here, but I will say that, it is clear she was confident she could get away with using her political position to swing the LOCSD board’s decisions Ogren’s way. In addition, I see nothing “kind” about taking advantage of the people of LOCSD and not acting in their best interests, but in the best interests of her lover.


What she did that was so wrong? Well, for starters, you might consider the fact that she WAS married at the time she first started chasing after & pursuing Ogren, then there’s just that “little” problem of “conflict of interest”…even if it’s ONLY a “perceived” one, it still puts doubts in peoples minds as to the UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR of BOTH thes people…


Cindy I think you mean ass first, unless the guy is one of those foot fetish freeks, never know in a cess pool of corruption now do we, all I know is the LOCSD stole $3,200 from me five years or more ago and I want it credited to my account, unlike what’s happening with Jay Miller and that , oh my god I have to say it (CREEP), kelly gearhart, and no his name does not deserve capitals anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I read this comment and wonder how far one would go to protect these two. Of course the children are thrown up as a shield, then it just breaks down from there.


This comment raises more red flags, to me, than the original article. Thank you for posting it.


You know, politicians in D.C. use their kids as shields a lot. I hadn’t seen it done much on a local basis….but now that I have, it’s just as disgusting as when it is done in D.C.


Huh? What’s to defend here? The lady was the CSD in our town which is embroiled in a 200 million dollar bonanza for Paavo and his merry band at the county while indebting the hell out of her own neighbors for God’s sakes. SHE COULDN’T HAVE PUSHED HARD ENOUGH FOR IT. Talkin’ about “sleeping with the enemy”

Another bored housewife who wants it all, house, kids, husband AND an exciting life outside of all that. Can’t have it all, Maria. Yer ex-family will soon join yer ex- boyfriend, Paavo Baby, and hopefully the LOCSD in giving you what you deserve…..the boot.

I guess you’re who people are referring to when they use the newly minted term, LON.


I don’t have an opinion on the CSD project, I know very little about the details and wouldn’t be so arrogant as judge anything about it.

What I do know is that when Maria realized that she was romantically involved with Paavo, it was unethical for her to continue to vote or contribute recommendations to the BOS (or any other participating agencies). There were clearly “contentious items” that she should not have been voting on, regardless of whether she believed that this relationship was compartmentalized to the extent that her judgement was not compromised. Try telling that to a bunch of angry citizens after you just publicly agreed with Ogren and complemented the opposing side!!


This relationship served to fuel a perception that the citizens (at least those in opposition) “ best interest’s” were being undermined by another bunch of cronies , who were “perceived” to be colluding behind the scene’s and under the sheets with a not-so- hidden- agenda . This was/is particularly disturbing because many of the opposing citizens believed that Maria had picked up right where Gorden Hensley left off after the recall. This is why elected officials are required to offer ex-parte communications at the start of public meetings and where there is a conflict, they must recuse themselves. Transparency is the key to public trust, co-operation and mutual respect.


By the way, it didn’t make any sense when you said that Karen was mistaken about the Kelly children moving to SLO, but that rather , they had always attended school in SLO. If they live in Los Osos, they would have to attend school in Los Osos and they did live in Baywood-Los Osos, until their mother moved. In the process of running some address checks (that don’t matter to me anymore), I realized that I know Maria. I was stunned that I hadn’t recognized her photo earlier. She used to work as a paralegal for my Attorney. I laughed with her on many occasions between 2005 – 2007. I always enjoyed chatting with her, she was so helpful, competent, pleasant and patient. She didn’t even get angry when I left a mess of boxes and papers all over her office. I like her very much, I know things will get better, she was new to politics and in my opinion, she made a mistake. I wish her nothing but my best.


OMG. Cindy, I’m just glad you’re not friends with John Wallace.


Kelly lies about where her kids went to school, clearly an attempt at a coverup, and you still “wish her nothing but the best”?


How about what is “the best” for the people of Los Osos? How about “the best” for the people of SLOCounty who she scammed by prancing up before the BOS and praising the County (i.e., Ogren)’s “vision” for the sewer project in Los Osos?


The only thing different between what Kelly did and what Robert Rizzo of the City of Bell did is the matter of degree and what they got in “payment.”


Cindy, It is NOT a “perception” the folks in Los Osos have regarding their “best interests” NOT BEING SERVED…It is a FACT that Maria PIMPED for Paavo & the County the ENTIRE time she has been involved in the LOCSD….She most definitely was ONLY looking after what was BEST for HER & NOT the people in Los Osos. She’s every bit as corrupt as Paavo & the rest of the “goons” on the SLO Board of Supervisors, the BIGGEST goon being Bruce Gibson! It’s true she even promoted Montgomery Watson Harza as well as the Wallace Group…


Cindy, the post to which I am replying is dated: 06/18/2011 at 7:48 pm.


The second post is is from 06/18/2011 at 8:24 pm (quoted, below)


The third post is from 06/17/2011 at 5:43 pm (quoted below).


The third post is the earliest, from the day before. There was a marked change in opinion from 6/17/2011 to 06/18/2011. You went from critic to apologist in a very short period of time. Please tell me you didn’t flip on your opinion because you realized you know her?


You are so consistent in your opinions…this just seems like it is an odd departure for you.


————————–


06/18/2011 at 8:24 pm


MM, I understand that you had to say it like it is but if that is Maria, she really is “emotionaly TORTURED”, right now. Maria as I recall, has a confident and equally kind nature. Seeing this stuff in the papers has got to have her very depressed and wondering what she did that was so wrong. I don’t think she fully understands, she was new to politics and jumped in feet first.


Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 8


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06/17/2011 at 5:43 pm


All anyone has to do is read the minutes from these meetings to confirm Edwards claim that :

““In the context of the waste water project for the community, Ms. Kelly has been a proxy for Paavo Ogren,”


Yes, she sure has been. I wonder what the legal ramifications are? They could be rather serious.


Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 9


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What makes YOU think that Paavo’s son is “regretful” of his drunk driving crash?? Do YOU have “inside” information or merely “assuming” that to be fact? So far, the “drunk driving” has been HUSHED UP, so I presume this case will be handled EXACTLY like the case involving the son of Frank Freitas…remember that kid?…He killed somebody & it got covered up by the SLO County DA & the “rest of the County’s “good old boys”…Unless this kid is punished exactly the same way Joe Smith’s kid would be, chances are the kids drunk driving escapades will only escalate to something MORE SERIOUS…Treat this case EXACTLY like any other teen who’s been caught driving drunk, no special treatment should be given because he’s the son of one of SLO County’s ELITE…


What the h e w q??? That means what the hell is going on? Why can’t they get this sewer done? Seems an easy decision to me. I built a big house on the side of the hill on Bayview Heights drive a hundred years ago and they were talking about it then. What kind of idiots can’t make a simple decision? I know it may seem difficult but decisions are always difficult when you can’t make them. Come on people, Baywood is going to float into the ocean soon on a “flood of you know what.” Try to make your personal info, personal. We have our own problems. Talking about your personal crap has nothing to do with grown up people. When you do something under the table you nine times out of ten know you are doing something wrong, so stop it! Conflict of interest is an easy one to recognize. Ask your kids they can give you the correct answer. Why does Karen or whoever have to bring it out. You should be ashamed of yourselves! Get with it, we are sick of people like you! That is if the article is correct.

I know, I have pulled some crap over the years but have pretty much straightened out. I ask my wife and she told me that yes I have changed to the better. Being old helps. She knows I will turn her in for elder abuse if she gets insulting. I know she won’t lie, especially about my past problems. Thank you Lord for forgiving us repentants. Being judgemental is important on moral issues only. Otherwise how are we going to get this world on the right track.


Unfortunately, both Maria Kelly & Paavo Ogren “IGNORED” or didn’t care about their fiduciary responsibility to their respective communities. I remember when Rose Bowker was LOCSD Board President & there was MUCH distrust with HER position & that of her husband, Les, who worked for the CCRWQCB at the time. Many people at that time cried “FOUL” because of the intimate nature of their relationship & what was discussed under the sheets or during coffee…Where there’s smoke there’s FIRE. Paavo needs to be terminated by the County. At least, Maria did the “RIGHT” thing by stepping down from her position as VP, she should have stepped down much sooner because this affair has been going on for years…WHO knows how much info she fed him??? What is SHE getting in return??? Inquiring minds NEED to know.


In addition, Maria Kelly did not recuse herself from votes on the sewer when those votes were clearly endorsing Ogren’s vision for it. She also appeared before the SLOCo BOS praising the “county”‘s vision for the sewer project.


There are ex-council members from the City of Bell who are looking at hard time for their votes-for-sale scam. Kelly should get herself lawyered up, and fast.


“What is SHE getting in return??? ” LOVE IS BLIND AND DUMB, SHE DID THE RIGHT THING!


Men have been taking advantage of the weaker sex for billions of years, this is just another stone tabloid to carve out, I’m not saying she did anything right except stepping down, and maybe leave the light on in Los Osos once in a while, just a heads up so the whole town doesn’t know who you are spending the night with might have helped, bright idea?

I would plead coursed!


Jeff Edwards as a quote source? Talking about the kettle calling the pot black. It is well known that Jeffs good friend(Julie) has been going after Maria for years. It takes one to know one.

Also, I hear that Jeff has applied for the GM slot at Oceano. Fox in the henhouse and all that.


All anyone has to do is read the minutes from these meetings to confirm Edwards claim that :

““In the context of the waste water project for the community, Ms. Kelly has been a proxy for Paavo Ogren,”


Yes, she sure has been. I wonder what the legal ramifications are? They could be rather serious.


Ask Robert Rizzo, ex-mayor of the City of Bell, what the legal consequences are for not recusing yourself from voting on issues in which you have a clear conflict of interest.


Is that what they call it now? “Proxy”? LOL


And isn’t it ironic that both Thacker and Kelly abused their positions on the LOCSD board to better themselves and their secret lovers.


who say’s they have better’d themselves.


Wrll OsosGrande ; Guess Tacker knew somethin nobody else wanted to know.Re; Oceano, no room in the den for another fox.


There are clauses in Paavos contract that covers these indiscretions. Not specific to the nature but as to what harm it does or can do to the County. He can be dismissed with cause in which he doesn’t get squat except a hearing in public if he wants otherwise this will be handled behind closed doors. Or it can be dismissed without cause which gets him the same as before but also a cash settlement of a sort. How overlong this has been going on will call into question as to who knew what when and that if any one of the supervisors new then the question would be, “why wasn’t Paavo called out on the carpet for it?”


Oh, I think I’m in love. Great information. Thanks!


This is so not shocking news. I can’t believe that more stories like this aren’t coming out.


This “story” should have been exposed months or even years ago…There is most definitely NOT ONLY A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, but MOST assuredly, Ms. Kelly will no doubt have a “job waiting for her with County Government”…Thanks to her AFFAIR with Paavo. Maria may be big time ugly, but she certainly knows how to MOVE AHEAD IN SLO COUNTY GOVERNMENT!!!! But then again, Paavo’s no prize in the looks department either!!


Small minded folks with small minded thoughts love coming here.


RU4Real had my interest/attention until he started with the personal attacks surrounding physical appearance. That last sentence sounds like something a high school kid would say.


Cindy,

RU4Real is in actuality a senior at AG High school. In fact a very knowledgeable chap. He is probably right regarding Maria Kelly’s future role with the county. The supervisors and the sheriffs department have not yet found an adequate replacement for Gail Wilcox. Remember that we paid that prostitute 180,000 in hush money to keep Katcho and Gibson scandal free. They have had time to build up another slush fund to pay for sexual services and it would appear that Pavvo may have just the unethical candidate warmed up.


speaking for yourself MM


I think he did. What a guy, coming here and saying only idiots come here! Maybe he should run Colab from here on out.


“Blaming the messenger” is the defense of the weak debater.


“Small-minded folks” are the ones like Kelly and Robert Rizzo, the ex-mayor of the City of Bell, who use the political power–which they should be using for the good of the people they serve—to serve themselves, their secret lovers, and to desperately attempt to climb the social ladder which, without abusing the public’s trust, they could never climb on their own merits.


MM this is something new? Go read the enquirer!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not the moderator but if he jumps me I;ll jump you go read the comment guidelines again if you can read.


I hit you down because of your shallow ‘appearance’ comments. Even though we all have feelings along those lines one way or the other they have no place in a public debate over conflict of interest and shoddy government issues.


Well, sorry, but I just couldn’t resist the snarky comment. However, EVERYTHING ELSE is true & correct…


If you’re really a HS student like SSS say’s you are, I’ll forgive you this time.


Personal attack, yes, big time ugly, un true, cover girl, definately not, but the brunt of the comment is basically true.