Endorsed-Candidates
From: Carl Hunt <carlyntonfuture@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 8:34 AM
Subject: Announcing Carlynton School Board Candidates
To: carlyntonfuture@gmail.com
Dear Carlynton friends and neighbors,
When five Carlynton school board members voted to close and consolidate our elementary schools to spend millions of taxpayers dollars on an unwarranted new construction project despite financial uncertainty and vehement community opposition, many of us were stunned. But because of the upcoming election, we have clung on to hope and said, “It’s not over yet.” Five members of the school board are up for reelection this year. We have an opportunity to do more than send a message: we can move our school board back onto the path of common sense.
I am proud to announce the five candidates that will help us bring victory in the May primary and November general election:
David Roussos (Crafton) Jim Schriver (Crafton), Betsy Tassaro (Rosslyn Farms), Ray Walkowiak (Carnegie), Sharon Wilson (Crafton).
Over the following months we will be sending more information out so you can get to know our candidates better, become involved in the campaign, and bring about victory in the elections.
More information will be coming about how YOU can become involved in our efforts!
-Carl Hunt, Committee for Carlynton’s Future (Like us on Facebook)
Here is a message from OUR five candidates:
These are uncertain times. The current recession is the worst economic downslide most of us have lived through. The growing federal debt threatens our future and the futures of our children. In Harrisburg this week, Governor Tom Corbett presented his budget for the upcoming year. In it, we see the austere measures that Pennsylvania, like every other state, has to make in these historically difficult days. One of the most critical areas to see cuts is education, where the Governor is proposing a half-billion dollar cut in funding.
The impact of this cut will be felt in every school district in the Commonwealth. Local school districts will have to continue their efforts to provide and improve education while getting less help from Harrisburg. In addition to these cuts in revenue, school districts are facing increasing costs – the most significant is the increase for teacher pensions. As a result, school districts will have to cut back on services or raise taxes in order to balance their budgets.
In the Carlynton School District, there is currently a push to take on a building project at a cost of tens of millions of dollars to the district’s taxpayers. Superintendent Michael Panza stated last month that the project would, at a minimum, add a $1,200,000 annual debt service payment after depleting most of the district’s fund balance. According to the Pennsylvania State Education Association, Carlynton will see a reduction of $657,789 in basic education funding for the 2011-2012 school year as a result of the Governor’s proposed cuts. Carlynton’s annual teacher pension costs are projected to increase by as much as $700,000 for next year, as well. The financial pressure of less revenue and increased spending for the upcoming year will only add to a pattern of deficit spending. Carlynton’s 2010-2011 budget projected a revenue shortfall of $1,194,000.
In addition to the crushing economic burden this expenditure would place on the district, Carlynton would close two local, very successful elementary schools. The loss of these two schools would not only compromise the educational success the district has experienced at the elementary level, but would also undermine local property values.
The cost of this new building – both economic and educational – is far in excess of any benefit, yet a 5-4 majority of the Carlynton School Board zealously pursues it. Therefore, we the undersigned are looking to change that majority and are seeking election to Carlynton School Board in the May 17th primary.
The first responsibility of any elected official is to act in the public interest. It is not in Carlynton’s interest to become burdened with debt, to have taxes increased, and to shortchange the education of its children. Five members of the current school board don’t understand this, and it needs to be changed – that much is certain.
Signed,
David Roussos, Jim Schriver, Betsy Tassaro, Ray Walkowiak, Sharon Wilson
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-Carl Hunt Committee for Carlynton’s Future LET YOUR VOTE BE HEARD – TUESDAY MAY 17, 2011 – PRIMARY ELECTION If you would like to be removed from our e-mail communications, please reply to this email and indicate “REMOVE” in the subject line.
