Brian Obach's Letter to the Editor 01/14/10: Invest Now in Education

I am proud of our school-board members for having the courage to stand by the sound, responsible plan that they put forth for renovating the middle school, and I encourage voters to support them by passing the referendum in February. These dedicated community members, whom we elected to oversee our educational system, have done extensive, careful research, analysis and planning. They have listened to community input in regard to the location and design of the building and made adjustments accordingly.

I have followed the debate closely, attended a public hearing and spoke directly with school board members. They have articulately and fully responded to every issue raised by their vocal critics who continue to repeat the same discredited assertions.

The naysayers claim that it is fiscally irresponsible to be undertaking this project during an economic recession. School board members and economic experts have soundly refuted that assertion. Interest rates and building costs make this an opportune time for long-term investment. Sound financial planning requires a reasoned long-term perspective, not a panicked response to short-term economic conditions.

There is no doubt that the recession has harmed many people. But state and federal leaders need to address these issues through macro-economic policy and programs targeted to those in need. We are not going to save anyone from economic hardship by denying our children adequate educational facilities. On the contrary, investment in education is one of the most effective ways to build economic capacity and raise living standards.

The most absurd allegation put forth by the critics of this proposal is that we cannot afford to invest in environmentally sound building design. It is ridiculous to believe that we would save money by retaining wasteful, inefficient, unhealthy and environmentally damaging design features from the last century.

Our school-board members have done their homework and put forth a reasonable and responsible plan. I hope the voters will continue to support them by voting yes during the referendum in February.

Brian Obach
New Paltz