|
Post by justfacts on Apr 7, 2006 7:45:12 GMT -5
Doug & Techie You are so right! It's a joint venture when it comes to paying taxes. The Tax is levied, not on an individual, but on a home. Anyone in that home, be they student, renter, owner, spouse, parent, elder resident and/or child, feels the impact of the tax levy as much as anyone else in that home!There are those among us who call for us to be united, but continue to use the divisive "YOU don't know MY pain" statements when they post! They don't really show a united front. Forgive them! They just don't know how to do that as yet!And unfortunately, they can't help themselves! For too often they can only see these issues, and express themselves, only in terms of self. They, through habit, talk and think in terms of ME, not WE!We are all in the same boat - and its is our task to pull together in the same direction, not complain that the "other guy" is not doing as much as "I" am![/i] For if the truth be looked at, there are among us those that have pulled harder than others to make all of this happen ~ and few of us give them the credit they deserve! One that I can think of that has done more of a "yeoman's" task than many others of us, is the Administrator of this site! Who has done more to satisfy the basic needs we have to unite than the operator of this site and the Plaintalkonline site? They have made much of what has been done possible. We all owe them both a debt. The least we should do is express our gratitude for what they have done to enable us to pull together.So, in future posts, recognize that the majority of us do see that we are united, each doing in their own way, the most they can to keep the movement going . The real contibutors to these efforts use little of the self-centered talk: "I'M doing more than YOU"; or "YOU don't do as much as ME!"; or "Until YOU do it MY way, YOU'RE not doing as great as I am!"; "I Know better than YOU!"; "YOU don't do as I do, so YOU aren't as important as ME!"; in their posts. The divisive posts of those that proclaim their self importance, or self righteousness, are ignored by most. Breathe new life into the BOE! C_P_R it! ;D The winning team ~ Cantatore_Persuto_Raymond! ;D Make sure the children get their fair share! - First! Ed
|
|
|
Post by devilsrus on Apr 7, 2006 7:48:16 GMT -5
gopybl is right on the money (no pun intended). The path we set on this budget could influence the next ten years of the District. It is imperative that we get it right. The BOE listened to the electorate after compelling arguments on all the issues presented. It is about continuing the surge in academic scores and college placements and one of the most important ways to continue this strong showing is by allowing students the opportunity to advance in diverse and challenging directions. The budget process this year and the disaster last year has brought about a partnership of focused, passionate and sometimes divergent interests. With the goal of first passing the budget and then continued discussion and evaluation the District will be well on its way into the next decade of change and challenge. Doug, as the person closest in age to the students in the school you are the person most able to articulate their perceptions of their needs. Yours should be the most strident voice of the needs of the students. Grow into your role in the same way as so many people have grown since the inception of austerity. Dr. Richman has produced a new academic standard in the District. Now is the time to continue that standard, raise the bar and continue to expand (within our economic reality0 as far as we can. It is about a well rounded, well educated person prepared to face not only the next level in education but able to bring the next generation of people on Long Island who will be able to afford to live here and continue to contribute to the following generation. Its not just about sports and clubs; its about the total package. It is about Change and it is about Time. NOW IS THE TIME! lOOK FORWARD! CPR
|
|
|
Post by gopybl on Apr 7, 2006 8:23:33 GMT -5
Ed,
Thanks for your interesting analysis. Although off base, it was still quite interesting. I always walk away enlightened by your banter.
Respectfully yours, Joe Amalfitano
|
|
|
Post by rinx on Apr 7, 2006 8:58:06 GMT -5
Hi folks...hopefully none of this will matter and the budget will be passed but I just read what would be cut if it's not. I'm beyond pissed. How dare that man (JR) put forth such things. How dare the BOE go along with that. I don't want to hear it's the best we could come up with because that's b.s. Why is it that all we see is threats from this man? First order of business for the NEW BOE should be in flushing the crap out of the district. Heave ho...Richman's gotta go! Pass the budget and pass Richman on to another district.
Just a quick aside.... I keep seeing the term home value thrown around by people here. Home values mostly matter to people who are either selling or refinancing and taking money out. For the rest of us, it really doesn't matter because it doesn't help us in any way. It's just on paper. Well, now it sort of matters because we're taxed based on that number.
I've got news for all of you...our home values have droped due to market conditions... The law of supply and demand are at work. There is a glut of houses on the market or haven't you noticed all of the for sale signs? Reason? You tell me.
|
|
|
Post by gopybl on Apr 7, 2006 9:12:53 GMT -5
Rinx - I agree with most of what you said. As you said, market value does impact some of our ability to refinance or to refurbish our homes. It also, does impact the ability to have Lines of Credit to help finance Businesses and stabilize cash flow. Which is what I use my LOC specifically for.
I selected to purchase a home in Plainedge so I would have an asset which would continually appreciate in value. I was not planning on having that asset depreciate because of being on Austerity which is within our control. Market conditions definitely have something to do with it. But the number of homes for sale is definitely impacted by the fact we are on Austerity.
Also, we are all taxed on our assessed value....which will not change. We are not taxed on Market Value.
Reasons for the oversupply of houses in Plainedge....1) We are on Austerity 2) Market Conditions. Just ask Garry Bon Anno for the answers.
Its about the Kids, Its about Change, Its about time !!!
|
|
|
Post by Go Plainedge! on Apr 7, 2006 9:20:44 GMT -5
To all.
It's great to see how everyone has come together on this message board. If you read the first threads you will see that there was a definite division in the tone of the messages.
I sense that there is a more unified tone lately. However, after the 2006 vote there is still A LOT of work to be done. I hope that many of you will continue with the same energy, vim and vigor that you have now.
If you are angry at the changes (or lack of) for this year, use that anger to motivate you to continue and push for more changes.
Although I have been reading all of the posts, I have not be able to be a part of things lately as time has not been on my side.
|
|
|
Post by thewildrover on Apr 7, 2006 11:38:07 GMT -5
WE, US and OUR!!!!!.....Fact's you are very correct it is WE, US and OUR....... not........ I, ME an MINE !!!. The WE message has been the prominent, loud and clear tenor of the vast majority of posters on this board. It must continue.
As soon as you input a personal agenda into a team effort the very foundation of that effort is comprimised.
The time is now to put aside any and all personal agendas, for the good of OUR goal and mission.
WE must make every possible effort to get this budget passed. It is up to US! For the sake of OUR children
DON'T HURT THE KIDS.....VOTE YES!!!! MAY 16TH
Working together towards a common goal.
Breathe new life into the BOE! C_P_R it!
The winning team ~ Cantatore_Persuto_Raymond!
|
|
|
Post by rinx on Apr 7, 2006 14:31:18 GMT -5
Rinx - I agree with most of what you said. As you said, market value does impact some of our ability to refinance or to refurbish our homes. It also, does impact the ability to have Lines of Credit to help finance Businesses and stabilize cash flow. Which is what I use my LOC specifically for. I selected to purchase a home in Plainedge so I would have an asset which would continually appreciate in value. I was not planning on having that asset depreciate because of being on Austerity which is within our control. Market conditions definitely have something to do with it. But the number of homes for sale is definitely impacted by the fact we are on Austerity. Also, we are all taxed on our assessed value....which will not change. We are not taxed on Market Value. Reasons for the oversupply of houses in Plainedge....1) We are on Austerity 2) Market Conditions. Just ask Garry Bon Anno for the answers. IMO, the rising taxes are more to do with the glut of houses on the market right now then being on austerity. To think otherwise is sticking ones head in the sand IMO. FYI, The county comes up with the assesed value based on what comparable houses have sold for in the area in a certain time frame. So market conditions are very much in play. We'll be seeing even more for sale signs going up very soon and the more our taxes go up the more we'll see our house values decline. Its about the Kids, Its about Change, Its about time !!!
|
|
|
Post by gopybl on Apr 7, 2006 15:12:03 GMT -5
Rinx - I agree with most of what you said. As you said, market value does impact some of our ability to refinance or to refurbish our homes. It also, does impact the ability to have Lines of Credit to help finance Businesses and stabilize cash flow. Which is what I use my LOC specifically for. I selected to purchase a home in Plainedge so I would have an asset which would continually appreciate in value. I was not planning on having that asset depreciate because of being on Austerity which is within our control. Market conditions definitely have something to do with it. But the number of homes for sale is definitely impacted by the fact we are on Austerity. Also, we are all taxed on our assessed value....which will not change. We are not taxed on Market Value. Reasons for the oversupply of houses in Plainedge....1) We are on Austerity 2) Market Conditions. Just ask Garry Bon Anno for the answers. IMO, the rising taxes are more to do with the glut of houses on the market right now then being on austerity. To think otherwise is sticking ones head in the sand IMO. FYI, The county comes up with the assesed value based on what comparable houses have sold for in the area in a certain time frame. So market conditions are very much in play. We'll be seeing even more for sale signs going up very soon and the more our taxes go up the more we'll see our house values decline. Its about the Kids, Its about Change, Its about time !!! Let's agree to disagree then. However, check your assessed value against what your house is currently worth on the market. I am certain there will be a disparity.
|
|
|
Post by justfacts on Apr 7, 2006 16:17:31 GMT -5
To those who have already spent their STAR rebates - or the STAR rebates of others!
The following update appears in Newsday:
*********************************
-------------------- Homeowner rebates on hold --------------------
Pataki aides say he's considering veto of bill that would give hundreds of dollars back to homeowners[/i]
BY SID CASSESE, Newsday Staff Writer. April 7, 2006
Don't start spending that much-ballyhooed state rebate check yet. It is not in the mail.
Gov. George Pataki's aides signaled yesterday that he might veto the budget measure approved by lawmakers in Albany last week that would give homeowners statewide rebate checks of several hundred dollars each.
"We have serious constitutional concerns about how the legislature drafted this portion of their budget," said John Sweeney, a spokesman in Albany for the state Division of Budget. "And I would not venture to speculate on whether the governor will veto this item."
Another state official, requesting anonymity, said Pataki and his staff are concerned that the legislature exceeded its authority by replacing a more limited rebate plan the governor had proposed. That proposal would have seen the money go to homeowners in school districts that kept their budget increases within inflationary guidelines.
he legislature's proposed rebates -- which would average about $400 -- would enhance the STAR tax break homeowners already receive. The governor has until Wednesday to veto the bill or it becomes law.
Word of Pataki's legal doubts about the rebate surfaced as two Nassau elected officials clashed over its impact on Long Island property owners.
Nassau's Board of Assessors Chairman Harvey Levinson, a Democrat, charged that the bill before Pataki is flawed and will result in Long Island homeowners getting far less money than those in several other counties.
"Homeowners in Nassau and neighboring Suffolk pay more in school property taxes than those in any other county in the state, yet Westchester County, for instance, would get an average of 57 percent more in its basic STAR rebate check," said Levinson said at a Mineola news conference.
Levinson said the average rebate check to homeowners would be $304 in Nassau and $293 in Suffolk -- compared to $528 in Westchester, where the market value of homes is higher. He called on Pataki not to sign the legislation until it is amended to both change the check to an immediate credit, and to make the distribution formula more equitable.
State Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre), the deputy majority leader and a prime sponsor of the rebate bill, disputed Levinson's analysis -- and said lawmakers would likely override a Pataki veto.
"Instead of focusing on issues he clearly does not understand, he must stop raising property taxes by unfairly reassessing our homes each year," Skelos said.
Levinson shot back: "Annual reassessment was court-ordered. The senator should know that."
Albany bureau chief Errol A. Cockfield Jr. contributed to this story.
Copyright (c) 2006, Newsday, Inc.
--------------------
Even the Legislator's are not sure of us gettting our other tax dollars back into our hands once again!
P.S. Note the article does verify that the tax levy is calculated on the Assessed value of homes - which IS updated regularly and IS based upon recent summary information about the Market value of the homes.
Ed.
|
|
|
Post by Go Plainedge! on Apr 7, 2006 18:09:05 GMT -5
I don't think the austerity has that much of an effect on the home value and the increasing inventory.
If you travel into Massapequa, Bethpage, Merrick, Bellmore and other surrounding areas, you will see a large number of for sale signs there as well.
I'm certainly not discounting the fact that the Plainedge contingency budget may have a slight effect, however, I find it hard to believe so many people are leaving because of the school budget not passing for one year.
|
|
|
Post by Doug P BOE on Apr 7, 2006 23:55:39 GMT -5
Techie- Thanks for you support. I have always looked into the issues presented to us from Dr. Richman. I look at everything from an issue by issue basis and make sure it aligns with my values and the districts. Nothing gets "rubber stamped."
Gopybl- I know where you coming from. I don't pay the bill myself, so I might think I know what its like, but really dont. I can't deny that. But my job is to present a fiscally responsible budget out there for the people who do. I beleived at the start of the night we had such a fiscally responsible budget. Not one grade level got back their entire program coming off austerity, which I believed was fair. Not what I wanted but fair. I'd want it all back and hurt NO kids, but the community told us last year, through their vote that they cannot afford it anymore. So if everyone was at an agreement that the program levels were at a FAIR level, with the exception of Track and Field still on the table, is it fair to bring back an entire extra-curricular varsity sports program when the middle school has half its sports program, the elementary's Odyssey of the Mind program is not funded, there are cuts in a kindergarten enrichment program to help them start to read and build their educational foundation, and a special education teacher is needed at the kindergarten or 7th grade level. I did not think it was a fair way to go, without bringing back the other items I mentioned. And to do so would bring our budget way up and that is not the direction the community wanted to see it go. So if you can't be fair to all the students in the district, dont do it at all. Im sure I could have voted to support the budget increase on Wednesday, but I value fairness and my integrity was on the line. Like my favorite social studies teacher told me "Doug, you character and integrity are your only credibility." I live by that everyday.
Techie and gopybl and everyone else- Yes I will continue to help R_P, as well the rest of the board, help you. This is a team. Please don't forget that. All 7 board members represent this entire community as a whole. I work with all six of them and enjoy doing so. We have 7 very different personalities and backgrounds on this board. We all have our different opinions, which is great, and still maintain a great relationship and a great culture together. After meeting many, many school boards and board members from around the state I can safely say 95-99% of school boards cannot say the same. They are amazed and possibly jealous of our situation. This is something that might not be publicly known, but I feel you guys should know. Just another thing for Plainedge to be proud of. Add it to the list!! Lets get this budget passed!
Sincerely, Douglas Pascarella
|
|
|
Post by gopybl on Apr 8, 2006 5:54:16 GMT -5
Doug - Great Post. Thank you for explaining your thinking during the vote process. I suppose when looking at it from the viewpoint....one could understand your rationale.
I would like to commend you for even coming on here and addressing the situation. Thanks and I look forward to working closely with everyone to get this budget passed.
|
|
|
Post by patriot2415 on Apr 8, 2006 8:39:42 GMT -5
Doug, the only problem with your argument is that you are pitting one group against the other. What you need to do is look at the whole picture and see what the problem is with the cuts you voted for.
Lets face it academics and sports are the two main items schools in this day and age look at. Academics for the obvious reasons, and sports because they enhance the aura of the college. Successful sports programs in college leads to increased media attention, which leads to increased interest by high school students which leads to higher tuition for the college because of supply and demand. Put a good academic program with a successful athletic program and you have a very successful and profitable college. So as stated at the meeting, taking away any sport at the HS level endangers "OUR" students not mine but "OURs as in the community" chances of getting accepted into college or upgrading the college they can apply to. Kindergarten, elementary school are extremal important, but as you go up the chain, what you offer the student needs to increase to allow them to grow and become the best person they can. So when they get to the HS, they must be allowed to explore and participate in a wider range of activities to allow them to become adults in those 4 years, to allow them every chance to succeed in college. A graduating student is the product a school district produces. It should be the best product we can deliver.
|
|
|
Post by devilsrus on Apr 8, 2006 11:14:32 GMT -5
As was stated in the last meeting this is the first step in what will probably be a three year process. This is a process. Our situation in this community will not be solved by just passing this budget, but passing this budget as presented at the last meeting is imperative. This budget will allow those kids who have invested their efforts in the school system the longest to be enabled to have those efforts rewarded. There is room for future debate and there should and will be future and, I believe, heated debate about all the programs. But that is secondary to taking the first step toward normalcy. As we stand now there are some who might feel slighted or left out or behind. This is understandable and in fact it is regretable. But if we continue to move forward and continue to cooperate and recognize the needs of the entire District we will be able to address those needs. As Patriot stated we must deliver the best product we are capable of. If we allow ourselves to split over who got what or how much this one or the other got we will all end up with nothing. It will be the students who are hurt, it will be the faculty who lose jobs or who we will fail to attract, at some point in time it will be the homeowner. Please consider all the positives, all that is gained by a YES vote. It is a step, but it is truly a BIG first step. We have attracted state wide attention as a community that has bonded together and accomplished what most thought was impossible. A yes vote will continue the rebuilding of the District as a political entity and force, and a school system that has faced and dealt with challenges in a positive manner that has yet to be replicated on Long Island in particular and in NYS as a whole. There is still much work to be done. There are still hard decisions to be made regarding what we can or cannot afford. The one thing we cannot afford now is to have this budget voted down. We cannoy afford to take a step back. We cannot allow ourselves any view but straight ahead. If we ,as a community, lose this vote the ramifications will be years in the undoing if in fact they will be correctable at any point in time. The time is now. Sometimes you don't get a second chance. Vote YES!
|
|