Complacency is the Enemy of Democracy

(Disclaimer:  I am writing as an individual.  The opinions expressed in this post are mine.  I do not speak for the Board of Education or the CCSD.)

Tuesday May 17th is the statewide date set for voting on local school district budgets and on local school board elections.  Every school district in the state has put before its residents a proposed budget for school fiscal year 2011-2012.  Many districts also have contested races for open Board of Education seats.  This year in Chappaqua, the Board of Ed has proposed a budget of $111,448,488 which represents a 1.88% increase over the current budget.  There are also three candidates running for two open Board of Ed seats as well as four candidates running for one Library Board seat.

I urge you all to take the time to vote and make your opinion heard.  Last year, only 1,797  or approximately 16% of eligible voters took the time and made the effort to cast their ballots.  All voting takes place at the Horace Greeley High School gymnasium.  Polls are open from 7:00am to 9:00pm.

Every vote counts.  Do not let your opinion be silenced by not voting.  I urge you to help make this election a true indication of the entire community's wishes by going to the polls and making your opinion known.

Complacency is the enemy of democracy in this election.  Not voting with the assumption that your vote does not count or that "the budget always passes anyway" is a false assumption.

This year, more than in years past, there are multiple groups advocating to pass the budget with a "YES" vote as well as to vote "no" on the budget proposal.  Both groups want your vote to send a message.  The vote "YES" contingent is hoping that by passing the budget you will help send a message that the community supports both academic excellence and fiscal responsibility.  The vote "no" contingent is hoping that by voting down the budget our legislators in Albany will get the message that mandate relief is needed immediately.  (Here is a link to my blog where I discuss this in detail.)

Quite frankly, I believe that the only message a passed or turned down budget sends is that the community either passed or turned down the budget.  Messages are best sent in a clear and unambiguous manner directly to those you want to receive the message.  I urge you to write to the Board of Ed (Board@ccsd.ws) or to your representative in Albany at any time whenever you want your voice heard.

I believe it is important to base your decision on how to vote on the budget, on the budget itself.  When you step into the voting booth carefully read the resolution on which your vote will be cast.* There is nothing in that resolution that talks about messages or anything else besides the proposed $111 million budget.  If you think the budget is inappropriate on its own merits, vote "no".  If you think the budget makes sense, vote "YES".

The real risk of this election is if the true will of the residents is not heard.  By not voting, you will be silencing your opinion.  You will be abdicating your voice to others who may not agree with you.

You will have at your ready many excuses to not vote.  The weather is expected to be rainy and cool.  Getting to the high school gymnasium is inconveniently not on the way home.  Your train leaves too early or arrives back too late.  You have car-pooling to do or errands to run.  They are all good excuses if you are looking for an excuse not to vote.

But, this election is too important to not vote in.  With the small number of voters, every vote counts.  With community sentiment at least partially divided, every voice should be heard.  Decisions made tomorrow will have long-term affects on the community.  Help determine the future of Chappaqua.  

Rather than take the easy way out and grab one of the ready made excuses, dig deep and find a way to make it to the polls and have your voice heard.

GO VOTE!!!

* "Resolved: That the Board of Education of the Chappaqua Central School District be and hereby is authorized to expend the sum of $111,448,488 set forth in the School District Budget for the school year 2011-2012 and that the necessary tax be levied thereof."