Spector: Better Tech Will Make Better Communication

As many of you know, Wednesday was Meet The Candidates night at Jack Abrams Intermediate School for myself, and fellow candidates Rich McGrath and John Paci.

  I was happy to share my perspectives and ideas with people in the community.   A couple of specific suggestions I made included:

• Question and answer sessions with the Board of Education and district residents.
• Increased use of technology to improve communication between the board and residents.
• Web streaming or podcasting board meetings.
• Allowing written statements for public commentary to be submitted in advance.

Other meeting highlights....  

Rich McGrath Said he voted against the budget, but will vote for it in the voting booth. Clarified that he is not in favor of swapping Jack Abrams Intermediate School with Town Hall and cllaimed 98% of Board votes were unanimous this year. (The voting records, attached to this article, prove differently.) Said top three issues facing the district are taxes, space, violence in Huntington Station.

John Paci Said he would make the public part of the budget process by "reviewing every contract throughout the year." Does not support the budget, and would like to see it voted down once and then re-crafted for a second pass. Claims the entire $900,000 capital reserve transfer is for Woodhull Intermediate School portables, although $525,000 of it is earmarked for special education summer school. Said he is not worried about the austerity budget. Top three issues: Keeping the high school flourishing; safety and taxes.

Adam Spector Is in favor of the budget and does not want to penalize students. Is worried about budget voting being used as a political tool. Called for more board transparency and open communication. Promoted public inclusion in policy formation Top three issues: Capacity, fiscal management and transparency, trust with the community

Remember there is a BOE meeting next Monday at 7:30pm at JAI.  This is the last meeting prior to the May 18 budget vote and trustee election.  Last call for lawn signs.  These collector's items are only being made available to the public for a limited time.  Act now.

Adam Spector
631-423-6769 (H)
631-561-7041 (mobile)   "Bridging Differences to Make a Difference in Each Child's Life"