A Vote For Growth
Most of us recognize that the tensions underlying the upcoming Onteora budget vote and board election relate to the district’s past and future handling of the “Large Parcel” tax issue implemented this past school year. They’ve arisen in the form of an unusual number of candidates for four open seats, a solid majority of them from Olive, still reeling from hefty tax hikes that were half the result of Large Parcel, half because of a major revaluation of New York City’s Ashokan Reservoir property. They’ve played out in accusations of stolen campaign signs, as well as the bluntly negative language of some of the current platforms being espoused by candidates. And they’re likely to get their loudest sound-out at the pre-election rally Oliveans have set for this Sunday, May 15, in town-owned Davis Park.
At the same time, the Large Parcel tensions have already resulted in some remarkable shifts from recent elections. A number of the district’s leading taxpayers’ associations are strongly urging their members, mostly seniors on fixed incomes, to do all they can to support the tight budget the new administration has put together for the coming school year. Old alliances within the district have shifted as those feeling the greatest hurt in Olive have threatened to take down the budget in revenge for their tax hikes, forcing Shandaken to side with Woodstock and West Hurley for the first time in years.
Sure, we’ve had elections as hot in the past. The late 1990s’ round of battles over the fate of the Onteora Indian mascot comes to mind, as well as the 2002 pendulum swing that saw the current board come to power. But with new Superintendent Justine Winters gaining more supporters every day, and the qualities of the budget she and Budget Director Victoria Garone have put together promising much-needed improvements while simultaneously hacking away at a number of costly programs, those wishing to use the Budget Vote as a platform for other issues are having trouble gaining traction.
Which has fired up the roster of board candidates more than usual.
How to vote?
Three of the candidates are being trumpeted for their Olive roots, indicating that they are playing to supporters based on how they feel about the Large Parcel issue. They have all shown their moxie over the years by working with district PTAs, serving on a number of key school committees, and showing their dedication to community, at least on the local, Olive level.
One is new to the town and district, but coming to it with a lifetime of solid educational achievement under his belt, having taught, worked as a principal, and been a superintendent of a similarly-sized school district.
Two are endearingly dedicated to their kids and their kids’ school, running for the board as a next step in their increasing community involvement. Another has attended nearly every school board meeting of the last four years, studying every issue and showing a grasp of district issues as deep and varied as a journalist… albeit with the added caring and passion of an involved parent.
And lastly, there are the three incumbents, which include a board veteran of eight years, a former teacher with years of experience as one of the region’s top lawyers; another a Special Ed specialist with a talent for bringing people together, and the third a new appointee with a lost history of involvement in local boards and community efforts. All are hard workers, not afraid of making hard decisions. And at least two of them were instrumental in moving Onteora beyond its recent divisive years, in hiring Winters, and in realizing the district (the state’s second largest) was in need of some necessary, if difficult changes in order to move ahead successfully.
Many people will base their votes on who they know, or which community they’re from. Some are simply out for revenge, no matter the experience, integrity or earnestness of those they are seeking to oust. We feel these are limiting choices.
If we were to have an effect on things, we’d be suggesting that voters keep at least two of the incumbents and bring in the longtime board attendee as well as one of the caring Olive parents to create balanced representation for the whole district. But in the final rounds, our sense is that all the candidates running are good people whose involvement will continue, in the district and other political avenues, no matter whether they win or not.
But one thing is for sure: we urge everyone to support this budget. To vote it down would be mean-spirited and curmudgeonly, and a slap in the face of our district’s many kids. The district has worked listened hard to its varied, divided constituency… and the choices this budget includes shows that. To force Onteora into a second year of contingency would threaten our school aid formulas, the quality of our education, and our cohesion as a school district.
We believe communities grow from affirming their children’s best ...