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Opinion: Make library, school budget votes the same time, says Potsdam woman

Posted 3/21/19

I would like to address the Potsdam Central School Board and Potsdam Library Board concerning this important voting issue. Since 2007, the library has held their budget vote at the library in mid- …

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Opinion: Make library, school budget votes the same time, says Potsdam woman

Posted

I would like to address the Potsdam Central School Board and Potsdam Library Board concerning this important voting issue. Since 2007, the library has held their budget vote at the library in mid- June from noon to 8 p.m. The school district has always held their vote (I assume it is New York State Law) in mid-May, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

My question is, when all public districts throughout the state are being asked to cut costs, why do the residents of these identical districts have to attend two separate elections?

The fact that the library requested to be placed on the school tax bill would also imply that they would have the same election date and time. Only if they decide to produce their own tax bill should they be allowed to hold a vote independent of the school.

I am certain many other members of the community would like to know why this is, and if the PCS School Board can demand the library holds the vote at the school on school budget day. Currently, when the library starts their vote at noon, they have rid themselves of voters that like to go early in the morning. Many people forget about it by the end of the day. It seems to be a ploy to make sure voter turnout is very low.

I was informed that the PCS School Board originally approved this setup. I hope PCS seriously considers passing a resolution to either take the library off their tax bill, or make the library election coincide with the school election. There is no legitimate reason not to.

Peggy Brusso

Potsdam