Letters

By now, many people know my name, associated with what has become “Marsden Madness.” I freely admit, I am mad, frustrated and hot under the collar.

However, that is not my only emotion. I am sad, disheartened and disappointed in fellow community members who continue to participate in the efforts to derail this proposition from passing. I am sad that people do not feel that our district, and by default our children, do not deserve this investment. I am disheartened by the lack of civic duty to our future generations, and I am disappointed that people do not feel responsibility to care for this vulnerable population.

Today, I am writing to the community elders — please hear my cry.

We care for vulnerable populations with different tax dollars. Income tax in this country goes toward a variety of social programs, Social Security being one of the highest recipients of our income tax dollars. This program cares for our elderly. Property taxes in this country predominantly go toward schools that serve our children.

Why, in this district, are our children not deserving of these dollars? I appreciate the fixed income concerns; I see that pensions can feel nerve-wracking, in potentially not being enough in this ever-increasingly expensive area to live in. But I would offer that these pensions are often taxpayer-funded; Social Security is too, as we all know.

Furthermore, it is imperative to note that our school district adopted a resolution to authorize an increase in exemption from school property taxes for qualified low-income senior citizens and persons with disabilities, pursuant to Sections 467 and 459-c of the Real Property Tax Law, on February 13, 2023. Accepting a small increase in our tax dollars (or possibly none, depending on income level) for our children is a direct way to pay it forward — to invest in our children, while their parents pay into the programs for the adults and the children.

In the U.S. we share the load. That is what we all agreed to in this democratic nation. As a health care worker, a registered nurse for 15 years and now a midwife, I have committed my professional existence to the health and well-being of others — that includes my efforts on behalf of the children of my community.

They are my “why” in participating so fully in what has become “Marsden Madness.” They are worth investing in, because they will become the ones who invest in us, as we age.

So, to my elders, with respect and consideration of your finances, please vote yes for our children on May 16. Consider it a vote for the social security of all of our lives.

Michele Liot

Noyac