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Guide to New York City's 2003 Ballot Proposals


Oct 20, 2003

 

The Six Questions

1. Paying for Sewage Systems
2. Paying for Schools in Small Cities
3. Non-Partisan Elections
4. City Purchasing
5. Government Administration
6. Class Size

Overview of Ballot Proposals

Related Links

New York City Campaign Finance Board - Voter's guide provides information on ballot proposals and candidates.

New York City Board of Elections

New York City Charter Commission


QUESTION 2: PAYING FOR SCHOOLS IN SMALL CITIES

Currently, when school districts in cities with fewer than 125,000 people in New York State want to build new school buildings, they are allowed to incur debt up to five percent of the value of the taxable real estate in the district. This proposal would allow these small school districts to borrow up to ten percent, which is the debt limit for larger cities.

This proposal would affect 57 school districts that serve approximately 260,000 students. (Text of the question as it will appear on the ballot.)

PRO

Proponents argue that it is difficult to find adequate funding for school construction, especially in small school districts that have a small tax base. The original limit was imposed in 1951 and is out of date. This proposal, they say, would give small schools districts the same ability to build that larger cities have.

"This constitutional amendment places city school districts on an even playing field with their suburban and rural counterparts," said Alan Lubin, vice president of the New York State United Teachers.

CON

Opponents argue that many small school districts that may not be growing or in need of new facilities will spend additional money with no way to pay it back. The result is that the state would incur millions of dollars in additional debt. Some also fear that if school districts spend more on "bricks and mortar" that cuts will be made in other places, perhaps to teachers. The state is already deep in debt and this additional burden, they say, will come back to haunt taxpayers.

"The proposed Constitutional Amendment boils down to the formula that has ruined California and that may yet ruin New York State," said Thomas O'Brien, a member of the local school board in Corning, who opposes the plan. "Spend more than you have, buy more than you need, and charge it to someone else."

The Six Questions

1. Paying for Sewage Systems
2. Paying for Schools in Small Cities
3. Non-Partisan Elections
4. City Purchasing
5. Government Administration
6. Class Size

Overview of Ballot Proposals

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