Board of Education candidate Karen Sulzinsky: Tremendous ongoing returns

Written by Karen Sulzinsky
Thursday, 13 October 2011 06:42

Cutting budgets is not the same thing as fiscal responsibility. All three town boards are responsible for the economic vitality of Ridgefield today and in the future. Lately, everyone is talking about whether the Town should purchase the Schlumberger property for $7 million. Some candidates and the Press have endorsed the plan, saying the outlay of cash now will save money in the future, and maybe it will. I think most Ridgefielders understand the concept that in good times and in bad, it’s always wise to look ahead and make your dollars count.

Ridgefield already has an investment that generates tremendous ongoing returns, and this one’s a sure thing: our schools. With excellent schools, more families relocate to Ridgefield and pay taxes. Those taxes fund not only the schools but the entire Town-roads, police, fire department and more, including grants for Founder’s Hall, the Community Center, and the Playhouse. Excellent schools keep property values high for everyone. As a member of the District’s Long Range Planning Committee since its inception, I have seen first-hand how thoughtful planning benefits our students and how thoughtless cutting has detrimental impact. For example, the Middle School Long Range Committee has recommended daily foreign language instruction for the past three years, while the District has been forced to erode the program instead.

Unlike many members of the current Board of Finance, I send my children to our public schools, and I’m deeply concerned about the reckless treatment of education at budget time in recent years. As a member of the Board of Education, I will focus on advocating for fiscally responsible education. When you have a good investment, you should stick with it. Education is one investment with a guaranteed return. Please vote for me on Nov. 8.