Vote "Yes" On Smithtown's School District's Transportation Proposition

Vote “Yes” In Smithtown School District’s Transportation Referendum

Smithtown Matters supports a “yes” vote in today’s transportation referendum.  The 2011 -2012-school year is the first year that I do not have a child enrolled in a k-12 program. I do not have a grand child enrolled, and most of my friend’s children do not have transportation issues.  And yet, I will be voting a resounding “yes” in today’s school district’s referendum.

Why?  I, like many others in the district, share a concern that elections are the glue that holds our democracy together. I also believe that overturning unpopular results sets a bad precedent.  I am appalled at the number of people who stated they didn’t understand the proposition and unintentionally voted the opposite of what their interests were.  And, I too am horrified by spiraling cost, taxes and unemployment ravaging the lives of many residents.

So why vote “Yes”?

The new transportation proposal does nothing to increase costs this school year, it does, however, provide for safe transportation for our district’s students.  A “yes” vote will allow parents peace of mind knowing that their child is not fighting the traffic and crossing North Country Road (or other dangerous roads) carrying a back pack and musical instrument.  A “yes” vote will reduce traffic at and around schools by eliminating the need for parents to chauffeur their children to school.

At a Board of Education meeting, earlier in the year, I sat near a woman who told me how the new policy would impact her life. She had recently learned that her child would not be provided district bussing and would now be crossing a highly trafficked street to and from school.  The mother was frightened. The child’s father leaves for work very early in the morning.  If the district policy remained in effect she would drive her child to school (increasing traffic at the school) but to do so she would have to wake and bring along her severely handicapped child. There was no one who could stay with him and she could not afford to hire someone. She would have to repeat the procedure in the afternoon when school ended each and every school day. This is just one family’s story.

Yes, Smithtown’s Board of Education needs to do a better job of informing voters about referendums but voters need to do be more responsible in there actions.  It is the voter’s responsibility to ask questions before elections, keep informed, and vote. 

In a democracy the ability to vote is power.  But, it is the people who arm themselves with information and facts that truly hold the power because they can make a difference. Be powerful, educate yourself on the issues and vote.

I’m voting “yes” and urging you to do so because it makes sense.

Pat