Voters are hitting the polls Tuesday to determine the fate of the Port Washington School District's $130,861,023 budget. Residents commented on the budget and why they feel it is important to vote:
"Voting is a responsibility for tax payers," said Robert Michael Goldfine. "We have to pay our respects to the district and let our voices be heard."
Joyce Cooper and her husband traveled down to to cast their vote. Both expressed support for the budget, with Joyce wanting to see the school district continue to be the "beacon of education that it is," saying it was important not to "stiff the children."
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"I voted against the budget," said a man who identified himself as Bill F. "The school taxes are too high. While we want great education for our children, it's getting out of hands for people to maintain a living."
Yet Barry Janoff, who has three children in the school system, would like to see the budget pass. "We've already made cuts, and my childrens education is just too important."
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Maritza Rodriguez is against the budget, and does not have any children in the school system. "It's very important that our taxes arent raised anymore. If this budget passes, it will increase, and we can't sustain anymore of that." A woman identifying herself as Marie M. echoed those sentiments. "We pay enough taxes as it is, they are through the roof. Our district is tenth in the per pupil costs, and I get so tired of listening to politicians and board members talking about lowering costs and lowering taxes. The burden is on us, and we can't afford to have this budget passed."
John Kellenberg has a daughter in the Port Washington school system, from which his two sons already graduated. Both he and his wife also graduated from the district.
"I'm in favor of the budget because I know the education that is provided here, and it's too important to lose," he said. "I'm glad to see a budget increase that is below 3 percent."
Voting takes place at Sousa Elementary School, Daly Elementary, Salem Elementary and Weber Middle School. The polls close at 10 p.m. Find your polling location.
