SUCCESS, followed by an arrogant and malicious response by the School Board!!

Taxpayers of North Rockland spoke - and they did so LOUDLY!   The proposed $185 million school budget was defeated by a margin of almost 2 to 1.   It was defeated independently by voters in BOTH Haverstraw and Stony Point, which SHOULD have sent a clear and strong message to the School Board.   The final count was 2,033 in favor, and 3,690 against.

I sincerely congratulate the voters of Haverstraw and Stony Point for thoroughly thinking through the process and exercising their right to vote.     However, I CONDEMN the School Board for what they did within minutes of announcing the results.

The results of the vote were announced at about 12:45 am this morning.   Despite the overwhelming voices of the voters, without so much as a thought about reviewing the proposed budget to see if any of the planned increases should be reconsidered, within seconds the Board moved to impose on taxpayers and our school children an AUSTERITY BUDGET of almost $183.5 million!!  This action is a slap in the face of all voters, taxpayers and school children of the District.   THERE IS NO   REASONABLE JUSTIFICATION FOR SUCH AN ACT - IT IS SIMPLY RETALIATION BY 7 ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS  AGAINST ALMOST FOUR THOUSAND TAXPAYERS because they didn't get their way!!

I challenge any Board member to provide a single reason why they refused to take just a few days to consider the desires of the thousands of taxpayers who endured long lines and heavy rain showers to voice their opinions.   Their beligerence is an outrage.

I   GUARANTEE this though - at the upcoming School Board meetings, and especially at next year's budget and trustee vote, WE THE PEOPLE will be out again in force.   And we will CONTINUE to fight until our voices are heard, and our tax dollars aren't wasted.    

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