"My family was treated like royalty"
The Gulen Movement's relations with the former sheriff
of Bergen County, New Jersey
Page created Dec 14, 2014
$72,000 per year no-bid contract for "security consulting services" at
North Jersey Arts and Science Charter School chain
North Jersey Arts and Science Charter School chain
North Jersey Arts and Science Charter Schools (NJASCS) is a chain of Gulen charter schools in New Jersey including Bergen Arts and Science Charter School, Passaic Arts and Science Charter School, and Paterson Arts and Science Charter School. Some of these schools may have more than one campus.
The May 21, 2014 Board Minutes of Passaic Arts and Science Charter School show the approval of a no-bid contract to "LPM Strategies" for $6000 per month, which means $72,000 per year:
The May 21, 2014 Board Minutes of Passaic Arts and Science Charter School show the approval of a no-bid contract to "LPM Strategies" for $6000 per month, which means $72,000 per year:
The name LPM almost certainly comes from Leo P. McGuire's initials. Leo P. McGuire is the former Sheriff of Bergen County. On his Linked In page, Mr. McGuire describes himself as CEO-President
of LPM, and writes “LPM Strategies provides innovative solutions to the complex
challenges found in business, public safety and security applications. Services
include management consulting, training programs, physical security assessments
and systems integration. Experienced in operating in political environments to
ensure your success.”
Mr. McGuire has the position of "Safety Director" (also called "District Safety Coordinator" in some documents) for NJASCS. He was taken on in this position in February 2013, after it was found that the security guard for Bergen/Passaic Arts and Science Charter Schools had been illegally carrying a gun to the school(s). A Feb 14, 2013 Bergen Record news article (link) says that McGuire already "had been serving in an advisory role to the schools" at the time.
It appears likely that the $72,000 per year contract is compensation to Mr. McGuire for functioning as a consultant. In the charter application for the failed Bronx Arts and Science Charter School (see below), McGuire discloses that he is a consultant (not an employee, even though school documents show him as having the position of "Safety Director") for North Jersey Arts and Science Charter Schools.
Mr. McGuire has the position of "Safety Director" (also called "District Safety Coordinator" in some documents) for NJASCS. He was taken on in this position in February 2013, after it was found that the security guard for Bergen/Passaic Arts and Science Charter Schools had been illegally carrying a gun to the school(s). A Feb 14, 2013 Bergen Record news article (link) says that McGuire already "had been serving in an advisory role to the schools" at the time.
It appears likely that the $72,000 per year contract is compensation to Mr. McGuire for functioning as a consultant. In the charter application for the failed Bronx Arts and Science Charter School (see below), McGuire discloses that he is a consultant (not an employee, even though school documents show him as having the position of "Safety Director") for North Jersey Arts and Science Charter Schools.
McGuire went on Turkey trip led by Gulenist founder of Bergen Arts and Science Charter School while serving as Sheriff of Bergen County
Turkish Cultural Center NJ has produced a 17 page full-color brochure on "Intercultural Trips to Turkey," featuring numerous color photos. The intro, “A Brief Introduction to our Tours,” describes a trip that sounds entirely like a sightseeing vacation.
A section of the brochure entitled “Turkey trip reflections” features testimonials from Leo P. McGuire, at that time Bergen County Sheriff, and Sophie Heymann, Mayor of the Borough of Closter, NJ. Mayor Heymann’s effusive prose includes the lines “Is it the gifts with which we were plied, which bring a fond smile to my face every time I look at the plates and medals I brought back?" It is odd to find an elected official so openly confessing their pleasure at receiving gifts while in office.
As Sheriff, McGuire went on the trip with his wife, two daughters, and some of his “law enforcement partners” (names not specified). He mentions “years of interaction with HUTACA and IDC” (Hudson Turkish American Cultural Association and the Interfaith Dialog Center, now renamed the Peace Islands Institute; both are part of the Gulen Movement). McGuire writes, “…I was not prepared for the overwhelming reception we received. From the young to the not-so-young, my family was treated like royalty. Our many meetings with government officials as well as our immersion into the Turkish history and culture were very rewarding experiences. I now have many, many more Turkish friends. It is clear that those who have read the books of Fetullah Gulen have taken his message throughout Turkey and the world to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.” The last line leaves no doubt of his awareness of the connection of his trip to Fethullah Gulen.
In common with virtually every Turkey trip testimonial encountered to date, McGuire singles out the dinners with Turkish families as the most special part of the tour; in his exact words, “the most poignant part of our experience was …in the hearts of the families we dined with. From Izmir to Antalya to Istanbul we had the opportunity to be invited into the homes of the most wonderful Turkish people. And the feasts we had were not to be imagined! All of us, including my two daughters and my wife Trish were welcomed as family into these Turkish homes.”
In account after account that can be readily accessed online (see this page for links), there are such effusive mentions of “dinners with the families.” Nobody ever seems to question who these families are, or why they are hosting American strangers, preparing expensive and elaborate feasts for them, and showering gifts upon them. Nobody ever seems to question who is paying for all this and why. They are presented as somehow “typical” Turkish families, yet a German Marshall Fund of the United States study found that 64% of the Turkish citizenry held a generally unfavorable opinion of the United States.
Returning to McGuire’s account, he proceeds to mention that Osman Oztoprak was a companion on the trip. Oztoprak, who formerly used the name Osman Oztoprak but now goes by "Akin Osman Oztoprak," was one of the founders of Bergen Arts and Science Charter School. He is also tied to several Gulen Movement entities, including the Alliance for Shared Values ("AfSV"). He was Director of the Turkish Cultural Center NY, Principal of
Pioneer Academy of Science (a private Gulen school in New Jersey), and has been a frequent speaker at the Interfaith Dialog Center, now renamed the Peace Islands Institute. Oztoprak also served as Director of Apple Educational Services, a major vendor for Gulen charter schools in the northeast, including Bergen Arts and Science Charter School and the entire North Jersey Arts and Science Charter School chain.
Sheriff McGuire and his family must have had quite a satisfactory vacation, as he writes “It was one of the most amazing moments of an amazing ten day journey…”
Mr. McGuire is far from the only law enforcement official to take a Gulen Lobby trip while in office. State Attorney Generals, public prosecutors, sheriffs, police officials, and even judges have also accepted these trips (see this list, which is merely the tip of the iceberg). Why are public officials involved in law enforcement allowed to accept sponsored trips while in office? When has an organization ever given a public official a free trip without expecting something in return?
Mr. McGuire is no longer Sheriff of Bergen County, as he lost an election in 2010 after 6 years of service.
A section of the brochure entitled “Turkey trip reflections” features testimonials from Leo P. McGuire, at that time Bergen County Sheriff, and Sophie Heymann, Mayor of the Borough of Closter, NJ. Mayor Heymann’s effusive prose includes the lines “Is it the gifts with which we were plied, which bring a fond smile to my face every time I look at the plates and medals I brought back?" It is odd to find an elected official so openly confessing their pleasure at receiving gifts while in office.
As Sheriff, McGuire went on the trip with his wife, two daughters, and some of his “law enforcement partners” (names not specified). He mentions “years of interaction with HUTACA and IDC” (Hudson Turkish American Cultural Association and the Interfaith Dialog Center, now renamed the Peace Islands Institute; both are part of the Gulen Movement). McGuire writes, “…I was not prepared for the overwhelming reception we received. From the young to the not-so-young, my family was treated like royalty. Our many meetings with government officials as well as our immersion into the Turkish history and culture were very rewarding experiences. I now have many, many more Turkish friends. It is clear that those who have read the books of Fetullah Gulen have taken his message throughout Turkey and the world to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.” The last line leaves no doubt of his awareness of the connection of his trip to Fethullah Gulen.
In common with virtually every Turkey trip testimonial encountered to date, McGuire singles out the dinners with Turkish families as the most special part of the tour; in his exact words, “the most poignant part of our experience was …in the hearts of the families we dined with. From Izmir to Antalya to Istanbul we had the opportunity to be invited into the homes of the most wonderful Turkish people. And the feasts we had were not to be imagined! All of us, including my two daughters and my wife Trish were welcomed as family into these Turkish homes.”
In account after account that can be readily accessed online (see this page for links), there are such effusive mentions of “dinners with the families.” Nobody ever seems to question who these families are, or why they are hosting American strangers, preparing expensive and elaborate feasts for them, and showering gifts upon them. Nobody ever seems to question who is paying for all this and why. They are presented as somehow “typical” Turkish families, yet a German Marshall Fund of the United States study found that 64% of the Turkish citizenry held a generally unfavorable opinion of the United States.
Returning to McGuire’s account, he proceeds to mention that Osman Oztoprak was a companion on the trip. Oztoprak, who formerly used the name Osman Oztoprak but now goes by "Akin Osman Oztoprak," was one of the founders of Bergen Arts and Science Charter School. He is also tied to several Gulen Movement entities, including the Alliance for Shared Values ("AfSV"). He was Director of the Turkish Cultural Center NY, Principal of
Pioneer Academy of Science (a private Gulen school in New Jersey), and has been a frequent speaker at the Interfaith Dialog Center, now renamed the Peace Islands Institute. Oztoprak also served as Director of Apple Educational Services, a major vendor for Gulen charter schools in the northeast, including Bergen Arts and Science Charter School and the entire North Jersey Arts and Science Charter School chain.
Sheriff McGuire and his family must have had quite a satisfactory vacation, as he writes “It was one of the most amazing moments of an amazing ten day journey…”
Mr. McGuire is far from the only law enforcement official to take a Gulen Lobby trip while in office. State Attorney Generals, public prosecutors, sheriffs, police officials, and even judges have also accepted these trips (see this list, which is merely the tip of the iceberg). Why are public officials involved in law enforcement allowed to accept sponsored trips while in office? When has an organization ever given a public official a free trip without expecting something in return?
Mr. McGuire is no longer Sheriff of Bergen County, as he lost an election in 2010 after 6 years of service.
McGuire was Founding Board Member in failed application
for new Gulen charter school in the Bronx
for new Gulen charter school in the Bronx
In spring 2014, a charter application for The Bronx Arts and Science Charter School, a proposed new branch of the North Jersey Arts and Science Charter School chain, was submitted to the Charter School Institute of SUNY. The application shows Leo P. McGuire as one of the founding board members. In his brief biography in the application,
his experience as Sheriff is mentioned, but his work for NJASCS is not. Further down in the application, under "Relevant Experience/Skills and Role in Founding Group," he is described as "NJASCS’s Security Director / Com. Outreach, Advisor" suggesting that his function is not only related to security but also to public relations.
One of the letters of support for The Bronx application is from Judith Joan Sullivan, who writes to Nihat Guvercin, the CEO of NJASCS, "I am pleased to have met you through Sheriff Leo McGuire, a man I admire very much....I first knew you were an impressive individual when I was traveling in Turkey with Sheriff Leo McGuire and you arranged everything for us, right down to someone to picking us up at the airport and dropping us back off. Our every scheduled need was cared for, including someone to stay with us if we went shopping or sightseeing, or direct us where to go if we chose to go alone."
It is noteworthy that she mentions "shopping" and "sightseeing" in connection with the trip. Even more noteworthy is the fact that Mr. NIhat Guvercin, who has been affiliated not only with the NJASCS chain but also with the Harmony Public Schools chain of Gulen charter schools in Texas (he was principal of Harmony Science Academy Dallas for 4 years), was acting as a facilitator of a Gulen Lobby-sponsored trip to Turkey. This trip must have occurred during the same time period when he was working at Gulen charter schools.
his experience as Sheriff is mentioned, but his work for NJASCS is not. Further down in the application, under "Relevant Experience/Skills and Role in Founding Group," he is described as "NJASCS’s Security Director / Com. Outreach, Advisor" suggesting that his function is not only related to security but also to public relations.
One of the letters of support for The Bronx application is from Judith Joan Sullivan, who writes to Nihat Guvercin, the CEO of NJASCS, "I am pleased to have met you through Sheriff Leo McGuire, a man I admire very much....I first knew you were an impressive individual when I was traveling in Turkey with Sheriff Leo McGuire and you arranged everything for us, right down to someone to picking us up at the airport and dropping us back off. Our every scheduled need was cared for, including someone to stay with us if we went shopping or sightseeing, or direct us where to go if we chose to go alone."
It is noteworthy that she mentions "shopping" and "sightseeing" in connection with the trip. Even more noteworthy is the fact that Mr. NIhat Guvercin, who has been affiliated not only with the NJASCS chain but also with the Harmony Public Schools chain of Gulen charter schools in Texas (he was principal of Harmony Science Academy Dallas for 4 years), was acting as a facilitator of a Gulen Lobby-sponsored trip to Turkey. This trip must have occurred during the same time period when he was working at Gulen charter schools.
Twitter posts promoting the Gulenist agenda; Ebru TV video
Mr. McGuire has retweeted two Twitter posts from "Hizmet News Portal," known to be an outlet of the Gulen Movement. While retweets do not always imply endorsement, these strongly suggest that he is supportive of Gulenist views. One retweet, for example, came at the time of Turkey's March 2014 elections, and shows the Gulen Movement's position against Turkey's PM Erdogan in the massive, ongoing feud between the Prime Minister and the GM. Mr. McGuire still tweets under the handle "BergenSheriff" even though he has not held that position since 2010.
Mr. McGuire is also featured in a July 5, 2010 video produced by Ebru-TV, a Gulenist media outlet. In the video, McGuire talks about how the trip to Turkey, sponsored by the Interfaith Dialog Center (Fethullah Gulen, honorary chairman) influenced him.
Evidence suggests McGuire's daughter may work for NJASCS charter schools too
Mr. McGuire has 2 daughters, one named Erin (according to this source). The August 28, 2014 minutes of the board meeting of Passaic Arts and Science Charter School show the board approving the new hiring of an Erin McGuire as a teacher. At present, definitive proof that this individual is Leo P. McGuire's daughter is not available.
However, it may be noted that Gulen charter schools show a recurring pattern of hiring more than one member of a family. For example, Elmedin Bilali and Edin Bilali are brothers; the former has been an NJASCS Business Office Assistant, and the latter a teacher at Passaic Arts and Science Charter School. Their mother, Mrs. Bilali, was a Kindergarten teacher aide at both Bergen and Passaic Arts and Science Charter Schools. The most common type of such arrangements is the hiring of both a husband and wife at the school; this pattern recurs all over the nation at Gulen charter schools, and evidence suggests that such hires are limited to Gulenists.
Turkey trips are not "unconnected" to the Gulen charter schools
A primary point illustrated by the above is that Gulen Lobby Turkey trips are not "unconnected" to the nationwide chain of Gulen charter schools. These trips aim to recruit and groom future sympathizers so that they can assist the Gulen Movement's agenda in many ways, including the founding and promotion of its charter schools. Individuals having political connections, or credentials that suggest trustworthiness (e.g., a county sheriff) can be particularly useful in this regard.
The case of Mr. McGuire also suggests that sympathizers recruited on Turkey trips may be given financial rewards in the future (that is, beyond the reward of the Turkey trip itself and its associated gifts), perhaps in the form of no-bid contracts awarded by a charter school.
Finally, this case reinforces concerns about public officials, including law enforcement officials, accepting these "free trips" while in office.
The case of Mr. McGuire also suggests that sympathizers recruited on Turkey trips may be given financial rewards in the future (that is, beyond the reward of the Turkey trip itself and its associated gifts), perhaps in the form of no-bid contracts awarded by a charter school.
Finally, this case reinforces concerns about public officials, including law enforcement officials, accepting these "free trips" while in office.