At the Garden City Board of Education Meeting on May 12, Board President Barbara Trapasso said once again that the board would not consider implementing the New York State Partial School Tax Exemption. Three reasons were given:
• If Governor Cuomo were really looking to support veterans he would have funded the exemption.
• Without state funding, it would be unfair to shift the tax burden from veterans to others in the community.
• The school district cannot afford to make further reductions to the budget
Every single point in this argument is flawed. It is true that every school district in New York has continually had to deal with unfunded mandates from the state. In this case the state has left decision in the board’s hands. Isn’t that what they want?
Our country state and community have decided to provide real estate tax breaks for a variety of reasons. Regardless of the reason, this always shifts the burden to everyone else who is paying because the money has to come from someone. There are no mass protests against giving seniors or firefighters breaks on other real estate taxes. Why should veterans be held to a different standard?
The third point is insulting because this shows that board has not even properly reviewed the law and it is in direct conflict with their second reason. The law states that it has no impact on the budget targets, only the way the taxes are assessed to the community. It has no impact on the school tax caps.
When asked what the process would be to submit a proposition to the voters of Garden City I was told that was not possible, the decision rests exclusively with the board of education. This is also false. The board of education’s Online Policy Manual in section 1050 outlines the process required to submit a proposition to the voters.
As of today, only six school districts on Long Island have not implemented the tax exemption: Bethpage, Lynbrook, Lawrence, Roosevelt, Hempstead and Garden City. This is a complete dereliction of duty and an insult to the men and women in Garden City have served their country. The board has been approached now on at least three occasions to discuss the topic and they refuse. The veterans of Garden City are left with two options, move out of the town we love and defended or use the ballot box.
On May 19, the residents of Garden City have the opportunity to thank a veteran for their service, I urge you to vote in favor of the budget and capital plan—because they will help keep the Garden City School District among the finest in the nation. Then vote NO for every sitting member of the board of education up for re-election. Here are the names of the current BOE: Barbara Trapasso—President; Angela Heineman —Vice President; Tom Pinou—Trustee; Robert Martin—Trustee; Laura Hastings—Trustee
Please feel free to contact the board of education and let them know what you think: BOE@gcufsd.net
Chris Blume
Commander, William Bradford Turner, Post #265 of the American Legion
