Elections are never done deals

The title to the New Paltz Times' synopsis of the New Paltz School District board race was "Done Deal? Teen, activist mom, incumbent run for 3 New Paltz School Board Seats". The question mark in the title was wise, as demonstrated by the results of the Village Board elections this past week. In democratic polities, elections are never done deals -- and this is especially so in New Paltz.

This very recent electoral experience starkly reminds us of the need for all citizens to show up to vote on election day. We need to express our preferences in the polling booth in order to affirm our support for our candidates of choice and in their ability to deliver quality governance. This is true whether the election is contested or not. Voter turnout in elections mark our commitment to community and its leadership. Votes are never, ever, wasted. This is especially true for school elections, because school votes are the only opportunity to approve a budget which we finance ourselves through our taxes. That's too important to pass up, simply because the races for board seats appear to be uncontested.

I submitted my name for election to the school board because I want to focus on maintaining educational excellence despite fiscal pressures. I want to participate in the middle school renovation process, as I believe this project is an opportunity for the district to concretize its commitment to 21st-century education while going green and staying fiscally sound. I want to continue to be a voice for transparency in government -- we need to continue to open up the process and promote citizen involvement. Lastly, I want to be a voice for families with young children, as this representation is seriously lacking in the current board's composition.

On Tuesday, May 19, the day of the upcoming school board and budget vote, I will be pulling the lever for Don Kerr and Daniel Torres and in support of the proposed school budget. I urge you to do the same.

KT Tobin Flusser, Candidate
New Paltz School Board
(this letter appeared in the New Paltz Times, May 13th edition)