KT is a real dynamo

Last winter, our community reacted with outrage when the New Paltz School District announced plans to vacate the historic middle school off Main Street in favor of an expensive and unnecessary new construction near the high school. In an effort to galvanize fellow parents and concerned residents, KT Tobin Flusser led the "Save the Middle School" petition drive, which resulted in successfully getting the new construction off the table. Our community saved thousands of dollars. Since January 2008, KT chaired the "Save the New Paltz Middle School" committee and has regularly attended school board meetings. Now the dynamo who led the charge for fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship and a great landmark is seeking a seat on the New Paltz Central School District board in this coming May's election.

Why should you vote for KT?

First of all, she has already shown more commitment than many already-elected officials to her community and to the school district. She blogs to raise public awareness of issues confronting the school district (such as the drive for healthier, local foods in our schools), and she accompanies her very vocal support of community and environmental issues with avid and active participation -- she serves on the New Paltz GreenWorks steering committee and the Village Environmental Conservation Commission (EnCC). KT has consistently demanded transparency and openness in the school district's financial records and budgets. KT is not a spectator -- she is a motivated, involved, enthusiastic participant in our community and school system.

Secondly, she has a vested interest. KT owns a home in the village (so she's going to think very carefully about anything that will impact property taxes), she lives near the middle school and she has three school-aged children at Duzine, Lenape and the middle school.

I'm going to vote for KT and I'm going to be very happy about casting that vote.

I was incensed that the school district would even consider a new construction that would inevitably raise our already too-high taxes. I'd like to see healthy school foods taken more seriously. I think parents need more voices on the school board and more people watching for fiscally irresponsible planning or anything that looks like capitalizing greedily on the area's growth and prosperity. I think the school board needs green voices, who want to see environmentally sound policies in place.

KT Tobin Flusser is just what the school board needs -- radical responsibility. I hope you will join me in supporting her for a seat on the school board.

Jennifer Zaborowski
New Paltz
(this letter appeared in the New Paltz Times, May 6th edition)