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Public commentary To The Editor, I am writing in response to Mr. Bennett's editorial in the Massapequa Post entitled "Massapequans need to get involved in school budget discussions - now" which I found to be insulting. First of all, I realize that everyone is entitled to their opinion and has every right to express that opinion. However, it shouldn't be done in a belligerent way attacking those who volunteer their time and efforts for the betterment of our children's education in an attempt to put fear in the community to enhance his chance of being elected to the School Board. Like you Mr. Bennett, the members of the Massapequa Schools Budget and Finance Committee, once a month take time away from their busy schedules and families to share their talents and expertise with members of the School Board, administrative staff and community members in a constructive dialogue discussing the finances and related matters of the school district. In this capacity we function as advisors and it is not our charge, nor should it be, to micro-manage the district's budget. I particularly take offense to Mr. Bennett's comments that the members of this committee are "cult-like who refuse to see the forest through the trees" and that it is important to "get these people and their kind off the school board before it is too late". These people that you are referring to, are they the people who do not agree with your thoughts and opinions? If so, let me be perfectly frank. As one of those people, we don't agree with you because your suggestions are sometimes borderline ridiculous and tend to be financially irresponsible. Your comments are in many instances also unwarranted and unsubstantiated. Contrary to his belief, as an individual, I form my own opinions based on my training as a Certified Public Accountant, my education related to my master's degree in finance and more than 20 years experience as a financial administrator in higher education. I support the decisions that the Board has made because they are the proper decisions to ensure the financial stability of the school district and those necessary to provide a quality education for our children. In part, it is for this reason that Massapequa is such a desirable place to live. The Board needs to be applauded for their achievements. I also do not understand why he has a sudden change of opinion and that he no longer believes that the school district's finances have been managed with compassion, commitment and accountability. I recall that there have been many times over the last three years in which he has taken the opportunity at these committee meetings to publicly thank the committee and everyone in the room for their diligent work. It is unfortunate that it has been proven that other school districts on Long Island have acted fraudulently, their dealings have been shady and they have not acted in the best interest of the taxpayers. However, are you implying that Massapequa's administration and School Board is guilty by association and are corrupt? The facts demonstrate otherwise. Every independently prepared report that we have read in recent years, whether it's from the New York State Comptroller's Office, the State Education Department or the various independent auditor reports all have one general theme... the Massapequa School district is financially sound, operates with good financial practices and controls and has managed to control its costs as well, if not better, than any other school district of its similar size in New York State.
In his editorial Mr. Bennett feels that the school district spins their educational information and I would say to you sir, aren't you guilty of the same in your pursuit of a Board seat?
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