Steady Poll Turnout On Budget Day

Voter turnout appeared to be steady early Tuesday afternoon, with a mix of feedback, as locals head to the polls to vote on this year's school budget, board of education candidates, and a proposition that could open the door for a new bus barn on Route 24 in Riverside.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. at the district's four polling sites, though an afternoon rush usually picks up after working hours.

In Calverton, Riley Avenue Elementary had seen about 125 voters at the polls by 12:30 p.m., with more pickup in southern districts. Downtown voters at the high school numbered about 170 by 1 p.m and at Phillips Avenue, close to 200. Numbers were not immediately available for Aquebogue Elementary.

As with any budget, voters expressed support both for and against it, some calling for administrative cuts and others hoping to preserve programs for their children and grandchildren.

One proposition on this year's ballot calls for purchasing $485,000 in land in Riverside, which could be used in the future as part of a larger transportation complex for the district. Another referendum would be required for the move, according to officials, and $10 million would have to be set aside to build it, which is the purpose of another proposition which calls for the creation of a reserve fund for the future complex.

Some voters said they believe poor management of the complex over the years could have avoided such a costly move, and allocating those kinds of dollars is the wrong choice, particularly in the proposed area.

"If they took care of it, they wouldn't have to replace it," said Joan Dowdle, who said she also voted against the budget due to "too much administration."

Yara Sword of Flanders said "They are dumping on us," referring to the proposed location. "They can renovate the place the buses are in now."

Former School Board member Dorothy Exum recalled the days her children attended school on an austerity budget - when she had to drive them to school because funds weren't there to pick up her kids. She favored the budget so her grandchildren would have a ride, she said.

One voter in Aquebogue said he voted for the bus barn props because "They need a new bus barn. And they need a new place for it."