Thanks to the Observer-Dispatch, we’ve got the local candidates’ views on education - grades and analysis below.
The 115th District of the New York State Assembly covers Oneida and Oswego counties. Incumbent David Townsend [R] is being challenged by Daniel LeClair [Con].
The O-D asked candidates in some state and federal races about their proposals for education funding. Here are their answers:
David Townsend, R-Sylvan Beach
State education funding is always a top priority of mine. In the past, I have been able to provide additional funding to our schools.This has been done through restoring cuts and creating and expanding aid categories. It is my intention to continue to support the education system in New York and to fight to make sure our school districts receive the highest level of state aid possible.
In the current economic climate, cutting state aid to education should be a last resort. It is important that the state continue its commitment to education, not only to make sure students are receiving the best education possible, but also to make sure that property taxes do not skyrocket.
Further, I will continue to support and advocate for eliminating unfunded mandates by the state on school districts, which result in higher operating costs and property taxes.
Grade: C. It is regrettable that Townsend takes such an uncritical attitude toward funding education, though we should appreciate his honesty. School districts shouldn’t “receive the the highest level of state aid possible” - they should receive aid used sensibly and productively. The truth is that there’s too much waste, and we should be wary of a candidate willing to contribute to that waste without first examining the efficacy of current funding.
If Townsend is concerned about property taxes, he would do well to analyze further how dollars are being used. He seems committed to increasing funding without an increase in property taxes; that necessarily means more funding will come from other parts of the state. Where will those funds come from, Assemblyman Townsend? Explain that part and I’ll raise your grade.
Daniel LeClair, Conservative Party
The first thing I would fight for is to end and eliminate the unfunded mandates of Albany upon our school districts, forcing them to carry out policies that they cannot afford to implement without raising the tax burden.
Secondly, I would like to see more consolidation and cooperation between schools in regards to purchasing of items used in their everyday operation.
Thirdly, I would like to know where all the Lotto money is going. Is it true that only 33 percent of the Lotto money, which was designated for education, is being used for education? If so, where is the other 67 percent going?
Next, I would like to see more control of our education and the decisions on what to spend money on (like curriculum, etc.) be given back to the local school boards and parents. I think the state-aid formula is too complicated and needs to be simplified.
Grade: B+. The unfunded mandates saw is an old, reliable one for all parties. It’s a popular, noble goal, but it fails to differentiate LeClair from Townsend - or anyone else, for that matter.
But the rest of his proposals are both more original and more specific than his opponent’s. Working with existing structures like BOCES - and developing new sharing/consolidation agreements - could relieve schools and taxpayers alike. It’s worth considering, and I applaud LeClair for the suggestion.
LeClair could and should FOIL the books on the Lotto. Though he should have done it months ago, thinking about it now still puts him miles ahead of his peers.
His final point - that increased local control by school boards and parents [you know, those people theoretically responsible for kids] is a good thing - is welcome. It could, however, be increased to maximize the human resources in our communities. There are plenty of experienced, talented professionals in our communities who may not be on the Board of Education or may not have children. They shouldn’t be overlooked.
On the question of education funding, the advantage goes to Daniel LeClair.
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