Dear Editor,
I was bemused to read the comments about me in the Reader’s Column. It just reinforced my assertion that the “no taxes” folks could not and cannot comprehend the some folks found the budget and its modest tax increase acceptable. And wasn’t it rather gutless of them to use the Reader’s Column in order to avoid attaching their names to the comments.
Especially interesting was the dissertation proving that only 6 percent of the voters approved the budget. Of course the same rationale proves that only 4 percent of the voters voted no. A “fact” conveniently overlooked of course because it counters their version of the truth. But no matter how you count it, the budget passed. Handily.
Absolutely mindboggling was the statement, “More likely the 60 percent are school employees and parents, not the taxpaying public.” Absolutely mindboggling. As if the parents don’t pay taxes and have no interest in the school? Do the employees not pay taxes either? (Note: I outlined a few weeks back how everyone pays taxes). Perhaps the “no taxes” folks believe that only those who will vote “no” should be allowed to vote.
The budget increase was only 3.1 percent and the tax levy increase was just 3.72 percent. This following years of fairly level budgets, minimal increases in taxes, and significant cuts in instruction and programs. It allowed the school to finally maintain its levels of instruction and programs without further erosion of our highly ranked school system.
The voting results show it was deemed acceptable. It passed the super-majority level too, although not necessary because OA stayed under its tax cap of 5.32 percent. Did the dissenters happen to mention that the district stayed under its tax cap? Only used 70 percent of the allowable increase. Looking out for the taxpayers. Again, did they mention this? Didn’t think so.
Throwing out a dollar number to make the increase seem astronomical is just another spin move by the “no taxes” people to make a reasonable increase seem like a major disaster. Their mantra seems to be “cut everything so my taxes don’t go up and I’d rather see them lower.” No concern for consequences. No care about reducing educational opportunities. No feelings of any community obligations to their children’s future.
The “no taxes” group has been preaching for years unsuccessfully. Unsuccessfully because the budgets keep passing. Perhaps because the general public wants to keep our schools, and the education it provides, as viable and desirable as possible.
Sincerely,
Rich Ives
Owego, N.Y.
