Dear Editor,
Before the vote on Tuesday, every resident of Mount Kisco needs to understand the candidates’ perceptions of how Mount Kisco fits into the Bedford Central School District.
Information has again been published accusing Mount Kisco residents of not paying their fair share of taxes. The article declares this as the root of the division across our school district. I find it ironic that others blame the anger on Mount Kisco taxpayers, when others are the ones writing articles for the purpose of stirring up animosity.
By dividing each town’s total tax contribution by the number of children, they conclude, Mount Kisco is paying less than other communities. This argument is irrelevant. We all know that school taxes (like Village, Town and County taxes) are based on assessed property values, not on usage.
Their theory that Mount Kisco should pay more is like saying a family with four children should pay more than a family with two children because they use the schools more. Why limit the idea to Mount Kisco? Why not implement this across the whole district? It is not a viable option to levy school taxes based on usage because all school districts in NY must abide by the state tax law and calculate taxes in the same way; based on property value.
Their ultimate recommendation is that Mount Kisco should be jettisoned from Bedford Central and become it’s own district.
I was at the Budget Advisory Committee meeting when these ideas were introduced. Mike Solomon advocated for this information to be on the BOE agenda. I received a letter, supporting Solomon, Harney and Brooks highlighting the fallacy that Mount Kisco residents do not pay their fair share. Solomon, Harney and Brooks should publicly denounce those who perpetuate this divisive rhetoric.
Mount Kisco is a vibrant community that actively supports and contributes to our school district. What does your candidate believe?
I’m voting for Jennifer Gerken and Suzanne Grant. I know they will make decisions in the best interest of every child and every property owner in every town in the BCSD, including Mount Kisco.
Respectfully,
Gina Picinich
Mount Kisco Taxpayer
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