Vote yes in Shoreham this time around
Editorial 1 comments below
The first time was the week a $40 million bond resolution for repairs at Albert G. Prodell Middle School was rejected by district residents. The second time was in May, when a $3 million proposal for middle school repairs, a plan that didn't impact the tax rate, was also rejected.
Now a referendum similar to the one in May is back on the ballots. Will voters make the same mistake and turn this one down?
We understand why residents in Shoreham-Wading River are upset that the tax rate went up 26 percent this year. We do, however, hope those residents understand that sad fact has absolutely nothing to do with the health and safety proposition on the ballot Wednesday.
To reject this proposal because your tax rate is going up this year would require a special sort of ignorance.
It's apricots and tangerines.
The health and safety proposition before voters Tuesday would have no impact on future tax dollars. The $3 million proposal would be paid for through a district reserve fund originally earmarked for teacher retirements and a state EXCEL bond. None of these monies would need to be paid back at a later date.
And contrary to what's been written in other newspapers, this money cannot be returned to the taxpayers.
So does this work really need to get done? Yes. Who says so? The State of New York, which has the authority to close schools that are not in compliance with building codes, and the state has already downgraded the district's certificate of occupancy at the middle school.
If that's not enough reason to vote yes, take another look at the above photograph.
The child with the Yankees hat in this picture is struggling to get through the hallway as other students visit their lockers. What would have happened with these students had a fire alarm gone off at that moment?
This proposition would widen the hallways at the middle school along with completing other fire safety and air quality control initiatives.
No price can be put on our children's safety.
And certainly $0 isn't too much to ask.
The North Shore Sun is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. The North Shore Sun does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not The North Shore Sun. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Service and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
1 comments found
Vote yes this time around : 10/14/2009
Who wrote this beautiful article? You should post your name in all caps and be proud!
