Opinion Exchange

Commentary on today’s news and opinion, from readers and newsmakers.

East Ramapo residents rejected a $191.9 million spending plan in Tuesday’s school board elections. Here’s what LoHud.com readers have to say about the only district to defeat its budget proposal in the Lower Hudson Valley:

We need someone to look at this election. Why did I (a new resident) and my neighbor (a longtime resident) have to go to two polling places before we found the right one? Some people are being discouraged from voting by these shenanigans. What a shame for our children in public school. Don’t people realize this hurts not only our children, but home values, and [the] future of our school system for years to come?”
— Lois Parker-Hennion

Very sad day for the students of East Ramapo who attend public school.”
— Lisa Donadio

While I think that our district’s finances have been mismanaged I believe that every child in the U.S. is entitled to a quality public school education. It is a shame that kindergarten will be cut to 1/2 day (or possibly eliminated). Preparation for first-grade learning is so important and not everyone has the facility to encourage reading readiness (or socialization) at home.”
— Chana Wiesenthal Elias

Firefighters in Ramapo have called for a stricter penalty than the $500 fine a Monsey homeowner received for illegally subdividing his house into apartments, which burnt down in April:

Are you kidding? What is the incentive for him not to do this again? The fine should be $50,000.”
— Malcolm Ross

Some fine, sheesh. Another case of no justice in Rockland.”
— Herb Robersts

They need to set precedents and fine these folks a lot more than this.”
— Lisa Donadio

What are you talking about today? Leave your answer in the comments below.