" YIPES -- really bad typo: I meant to say Wells were NOT polluted when the countryside was covered with small family farms.... "

" We are not on well water but county water which still differs from city water prices. I am not a fan of well water-due to its instability, whether its good today and bad tomorrow or lots of it today and a drip tomorrow! However,whether it may be big business' fault, city or county fault I have come to known way too many having cancer or dying of cancer in the city limits and the towns just outside of the limits. I know they have done numerous testing and of course found nothing substantial to the source-BUT it would be intersting if the Citizen would look deeper and posting a log of the cancer to families in the area! "

" Good points, cm -- no arguments here.

When I lived right in the Village of Aurora, the water prices were very high while the water was not reliable -- the processing plant was ancient and every time there was a good hard rain, all we got was brown muddy water from our taps. If I hadn't worked at the college, we wouldn't have known there was an order not to use the water -- what a mess.

Then I moved to the outskirts. First place had a terrific well, clean water and even with 6 apartments, we never once ran it out. But it was too small and there were problems with the neighbors.

Now I live in a place where I was warned when I moved in not to drink the water because it is polluted with e-coli (as are 4 of the 6 wells in my area -- the other 2 may also be, I just don't know the people who live there). So, I have all the water I could want for no cost -- but you can't drink it (I don't trust that boiling it first stuff except in a real pinch).

I think clean water will be an issue right here at home within our children's lifetimes, just like in third world countries, if we don't start taking such things seriously now.

I know it's my hobbyhorse, but there it is again. Wells were polluted all over when the countryside was covered with small family farms -- it's the need of these big corporate agribusiness ventures with their thousands of animals producing hundreds of thousands of gallons of liquid manure which they overspread on the fields that gets into the wells and down the creeks into the lake.

If I had all the answers, I think I'd feel obligated to run for office. Thankfully, as far as that goes, I don't. (I really wouldn't want to hold office). But this much I can give as an answer to the question about changing the system -- we have to take back our rights to government from the corporations who do NOT have our interests at heart. "Regulating" industry has not worked -- they've found ways around all that. We need to take back our right to say NO to corporations. It won't be easy, and may not ever happen, but I sincerely believe that therein lies the crux of a great many other issues we face in our country today. Start there, and I think we can cure a lot of ills.

MHO. "

" You got to feel sorry for the next President,he or she is gonna have 8 years just to clen up BBBBUUUSSSHHES stinking mess hes made of this country,we havent even begun to feel the effects of this mess yet.
All these billion and billions going to this is absolutly crazy our country is in shambles and I see this and im not even one of the people struggling to make ends meet
"

" Speaking of the water prices rsing in Auburn, one of my sisters is moving from Auburn to the outskirts towards Seneca Falls BECAUSE of the water bill.She states the bill equals her amount in rent.Being a single mom with 2 kids,working and relying on some child support that may come or NOT, she simply cannot afford rent, electric, and water! When I first heard this I laughed-for I remember my dad always yelling at my mom to give us baths once a week not nightly due to the HIGH water bill-back then it was 13.00 every 3 months!!!!
YET I understood, when I first moved out of state-our water bill at the house we rented was 400.00 a month. We bought a home in an unincorporated area and the water bill is about 30.00 a month, jumping to about 80.00 when we re-fill the pool.
If my dad was alive his grandkids would NEVER bath in AUBURN! lol. "

" We the people COULD be more in charge if WE as a whole put our voices onto paper and voted-use the media to our advantage-mass mail our leaders-and use this wonderful world of internet for better causes than YOU-tube watching!

You are right FG about the SYSTEM needing repair-starting with the wicks law.So the ? is how does one go about changing that?

Jerry is right about the costs-and the state not using BIDDING.
BUT just because a project goes to the lowest bid does not mean it will be lower either. Hubby bids jobs in construction, they always go over budget! AGAIN a law needs to be changed there too giving the company a number to not exceed or the company bites the bullet on it!

We have offered like some said earlier to aid the school in small projects like painting a room..1st you need to be background checked-then licensed-and of course insured-the district trying to avoid possible lawsuits if someone is injured. AGAIN maybe another law needed or changed, where the willing are willing to sign off if injured while aiding a school needed project?

Basically, voices are needing to be heard and not just on this forum but at the voting booths!
or learn more from the AMISH who seem to build their own without state help and state laws! When they are in need as a WHOLE they provide. "

" A billion a week and people wonder why the country is in bad economic shape?

John from Liverpool -- welcome, you must be a newcomer. Badly timed lights and the time and fuel they waste is a long-time complaint in this forum. Some lights are appropriate for the "trip" lights you describe, at some times of day, others are not, but in very large cities, they set up the whole range of traffic signals to be in sync with each other to encourage people to drive the speed limit. When they work as they should, a person should never have to stop for more than one light if traveling in one direction and staying at the speed limit. Saves gas and reduces pollution as well as the savings in the areas of time and frustration. But Auburn isn't likely to ever do anything about it -- it's costly, and as you see, there's plenty of debate about money for the schools.

Once again, I think I see less disagreement here than it might appear. The problem seems to be mainly the absurd prices for things as small as doorknobs -- some folks make the case that there's this Wickes Law (over-)regulating such things (in typical NYS fashion) which drives prices up exponentially. Some of the repairs may be needed, others are perks, but all have inflated price tags, and in a community which can hardly be called the employment capital of the Western World, this is a serious chunk of money.

Sounds like the system needs repair more then the doorknobs....

(BTW, we have key-pad door knobs where I work. They often jam or have other problems. We had one replaced and it cost over $500, and it works no better than the old one. And when we have to have Maintenance out to repair one, they charge the Library for it, so I hear what you're saying about absurd inflation of prices for hardware and maintenance in education).

Hey -- THE GIANTS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL!!! I can't believe it. Amazing -- I'm so proud of those guys. How's that for some positive news -- they rather remind me of Auburn High School's championship team last year -- not expected to win anything.... "

" Booboo, there's plenty to still complain about the war.
It's still costing us over a billion dollars a week, there's no political settlement anywhere near on the horizon, half the candidates are talking about keeping troops there as an occupying force, waste and fraud have/are still raping the American taxpayer, and --oh yeah--207 was the deadliest year yet.
Surge, splurge, smirge--whatever. As soon as the troop levels are reduced, nothing is going to be seen to have changed. The balance of troops there is putting our nation at risk; god forbid that we have a conflagration requiring intervention break out somewhere. Only a fool would look at the war in this latest phase and see it as "positive". Of course, then there's always Mr Coulter.....oh look! He's coooooming!!!... "

" When is Auburn going to join the 21st Century concerning the "timing" or lack of "timing" of TRAFFIC SIGNALS ? Are there any signals in the city that work on the "traffic trip" technology. I don't know if this is the correct terminology (traffic trip) or not. Traffic trip technology is where a signal will remain green until a vehicle or vehicles enter an intersection from the opposite direction and then changes to green for the entering vehicle. I travel into Auburn a couple of times a week and the signal lights at Standard Ave/North Street and Lansing/North Street appear to be on a "timer system".
Additionally, the short two block or is it three block area on North Street between the West Bound Arterial (Holiday Inn) and Genesee Street needs to be better controlled with the elimination of LEFT HAND turns to and from Dill Street/Loop roads from either direction. Also, LEFT HAND turns should be eliminated from either direction at the Four Corners of North/South/Geneseee St. Right hand turns will induce an extra minute or two of driving time but could dramatically improve traffic safety and traffic flow. Lastly, is the traffic signal at North Division and Perrine Street really needed? What is the annual cost of electricity just for that not needed signal? "

" What's wrong steve, can't complain about the war anymore? You'll regret the day when the Democrats take rule and implement their universal health care. People will never learn to take care of themselves while the government is determined to do it for them. Your dependency is what gives government its power. Maybe you should think more about what you can contribute to our society instead of what you think it owes you. "

" When is Bush going to wake up and realize that the economy is slowing down because of the high gas prices that keep going up and up? O yeah I know, when he stops banking on the oil revenues. "

" Why thank you Jim for your kind words. Please forgive me if I disagree with your analysis of my critique or my criticism of the board. I call the board a bobble head board because that is just what it is. In fact if it were not for the insistence of two board members the proposal would have been headed for a public vote.

As for comparing concession stands to homes, and the cost between the two is not apples and oranges as you would like to have us believe, but a actual comparison as to what we taxpayers have been duped into believing is the "norm" for public work. When in actuality it is so far out of whack, someone should be prosecuted for not only making those bids, but for accepting those bids. But it is what it is and the only defense the public has in defending itself against this type of abuse is to be made aware of the what the schools want to spend and how much they want to spend and they cost broken down accordingly. This is what I did and this is what I will continue to do.

I am also well aware of the wicks law, this is why BOCESS cannot build the district a new concession stand and I understand the role of the BOE, my argument is and will be the cost of the items put forth for consideration.
Imagine if you can when a broadcasters booth costs more to construct that the very home most of us are living in or when a concession stand costs more than the homes on an entire neighborhood block, and imagine a community pressed hard by economics being asked to absorb these costs, and continue to give no matter what you, as an individual family, has already given.

I was in line to pay my water bill and I listened to an elderly widow complaining about her water bill, she asked how she was supposed to live paying these high costs? She was told to complain down the hall to the Mayors office. This is the real factor behind what I do, these are real people with real issues, not apples and oranges, people are struggling just to keep their heads above water, yet there are people that ignore them and can only see what the elite see. So excuse me if I complain down the hall about the costs associated with JD Pabis and the BOE wish list. As a voter, and a taxpayer that is my right, and I will continue to exercise that right, because I want future generations to prosper here, but that may be a pipe dream, because the high school enrollment is down the city's population is down. People will not be able to afford to live here, and then who's fault will that be?



"

" Mr. Morgan...you're ignoring the context again. A few rebuttals and then I'm done with this topic until I pull a lever in the privacy of the voting booth.

The BOE may have been asked to vote on this the same day it was presented, but they did not. That's not the action of a "bobble head board." (The repeated use of that phrase, by the way, speaks volumes about the credibility of your critique.)

When comparing concession stands to private residences, you're comparing apples and oranges. State and local codes classify different building uses in different ways. A concession stand built by the district will require a higher standard of construction than a home. State building and fire codes will dictate materials, sprinklers, air handling standards that must be met. A concession stand (at least one with food preparation) can't be constructed of wood. Again...apples and oranges.

School projects must be bid in accordance with the Wickes Law. That means there will be as many as five prime contractors and all laborers will be paid prevailing wage. Home building is done by a single prime and, usually, with the exception of a pair of trades, with non-union laborers. The Wickes Law (which I'd like to see repealed) adds a multiplier to the cost of public construction. I don't agree with it but you can't just wish it away. It'll take an act of the legislature. Until that happens, that is the context within which public projects get constructed. We all know it's not a great way to do things but it does nothing constructive to just wish it weren't so.

Finally, the public (those that bother to vote - I do) will decide whether this project goes ahead - not the BOE. The BOE was elected to make the decisions regarding what project is put in front of the voters. We the voters delegated that responsibility to them when we elected them. Imagine the circus it would be if the general public were given line by line input on a project as complex as this one. Chaos. This system works because we the voters have the final say - when we elect our BOE and when we vote yes or no on this capital referendum. "

" Thanks to Jim for his reasoned, factual response. At the following link is an example of the cost of pulic school door knobs, purchased in quantity, from a reliable vendor.

www.jmlock.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=242 "

" It is rather amusing to see how hard these people will fight to spend an exorbitant amount of taxpayer money. They, on one hand will criticize the government for purchasing $500 dollar toilet seats, then in the next breath justify their own actions by justifying $250 door knobs.

I understand this proposal is in the beginning stages, however, with all due respect to Mr Pentangelli, this is the time to address the proposal, because if there is no public input, this bobble head board will attempt to ram this down the throats of the taxpayers whether we like it or not. I also understand the administration pressed the board into voting on it the same day the proposal was presented to them. This was totally unacceptable. How many homes could be built or purchased with the price attached to the concession stand? How many homes could be purchased with the price tag associated with the press box. I find it amazing that a brand new home could be built cheaper than a concession stand, I wonder why that is, after all union labor is used in both cases. I think the big difference is the taxpayers has deep pockets, so the price is no object, lets boost the cost up, lets make a buck at our expense. Shame on that administration and shame on that board for not recognizing this from the onset. The public should always come first when making decisions of this magnitude, as such it should have been rejected by the board and those administrators should have been directed to bring a more realistic proposal or to bring none at all "

" How did I miss that first comment at the top of Two Cents here? Someone is delusional if s/he thinks "We the People" are actually in charge. "

" A few points here...

First...this project (as I understand it) is still in the very early planning stages. The budget numbers being discussed are the result of an architect/engineer's planning level estimate. At this stage of the process no design work has been done, no specifications have been written, no bids have been let, and no contracts awarded. They are very early in the process and the professional designers are making educated guesses based upon past projects to determine a planning level budget.

Second...This is a capital project. The State Education Department funds school districts through two sources. One is capital, the other operating. Capital funds (used for building construction, repair, furniture, and equipment) can't be used for operating expenses (teachers salaries, supplies, heating expenses, etc.). So not doing this capital project will net exactly zero dollars for use in educating our children.

Third...I don't know the particulars as it relates to the Auburn situation, but most districts will be paying on multiple bonds at any given time. Remember, school districts are subject to borrowing limits. Most never get anywhere near that ceiling.

Finally...I have nothing to do with the Auburn district other than paying my taxes. I do, however, have experience (through my work) with the process currently being engaged by the BOE and administration. They appear to be handling it competently and professionally.

It is irresponsible on the part of ill-informed observers to criticize based upon some out of context information. I agree that some of these costs seem high to the average homeowner. However, federal, state, and local codes dictate what particular features that doorknob has to have. The Wickes Law dictates that it has to be installed by workers making prevailing (read union) wages. Is $250 too much for a doorknob? It is if you're replacing the one on your back door. It's not if you're replacing one in a school building. This fact can't be changed by your local BOE. These are global problems that need to be addressed at the state and federal levels. "

" Hey Yikes, I think its already CLEAR to the public even b4 a real vote according to this papers informal poll. Approx 75% say a resounding NOOOOO. Why do u press so for these so called improvements as they are oulined? Or do you just need to prove the other side against a rival? "

" To Mr. MORGON and his minions...let's talk about "true" costs. A school door is an extremely high traffic portal. The hardware needs to be more than substantial. The heaviest duty door lock at Home Depot is @ $60.00....now add installation...(you know Jerry...UNION Rates) suddenly the price is not so far fetched...So Jerry, your rambling retoric once again is based on your misguided jealousy of the teachers and the entire education system...let's face it Jerry...you aren't complaining about the BILLION$ that the FEDS are flushing down the sand...why don't you spend your time fighting the abuses taxpayers are suffering in the name of Homeland Security...leave the schools alone. "

" 250 for door knobs?wow just think, take that total, give it to each school in nys,use it too pay teachers, wouldnt that help end the problem of cutting teacher positions at budget time? i really would like to see that money go towards our childrens educationinstead of into a wooden door that is gonna wear out in a couple years, painting lockers at 125? wow lets create some summer time jobs for students, they can do that a whole lot cheaper, some schools that have painting done use there custodial staff to do it,whats next? 10 thousand dollar toilet seats and 25 dollar rolls of toilet paper for the administrators bathrooms because its a cheap deal? think people think "

" Jerry - I'm shocked that you'd use your real name to divulge "fuzzy" math on here but use nicknames in referring to me.

If you don't mind, may I call you Steve? This way, we'd be on the "same" page. I think.

Anyway Steve, regardless of your FUZZY math, it'll become clear before the public is asked to vote. "

" As I said before "Paul" everything I have stated is a matter of public record. The only people that has to defend their position is the board and the administration. They are the people that are responsible for putting together this fiasco. They are the one's that are responsible for the bids and ACCEPTING them. I had nothing to do with it. What so ever. As for my "fuzzy math" I encourage ANYONE to research what I have been reporting. Ask if the state aid is doled out over the length of the bond or if it is received all at once from the state. This whole project is nothing more than smoke and mirrors, now in order to give credence to their position they feel it is necessary for character assassination. I stand by my assertion that this proposal is nothing more than a rip off, however, my former friend, must feel left out of the loop as I am no longer sharing emails with him verifying the validity of my information. "

" Nature Lover, we are on the same page. Keep on them and never let them feel that they have the upper hand. You have to maintain you family, you have to support your family, you have to meet your monthly obligations. Yet Mr Pabis will get his $5,000 a year raise and never feel the pinch of the tax increase, and when it is time for him to retire, he will do exactly what John Plume did, HE WILL LEAVE. He will take his pension and retire to a location a state where it is cheaper for him to live. This is the reality of the situation "

" I believe we're looking at several different issues here.

First of all, regarding personal attacks, there's quite a difference between suggesting someone has been "hitting the bottle" and someone who has been using "fuzzy" math. The main difference being that "fuzzy" math can be proven on here as a matter of public record.

If you choose to e-mail Jerry at the address he posted, please ask him how much NYS contributed to that $15 million dollar figure he chooses to post. You'll find that the district (local) portion of these costs are a pittance of the overall $15 million expenditure.

I agree with much of what Jerry is stating in regards to the economy and a local over-burdened tax base. However, I'll never agree with anyone who uses inflated figures and "fuzzy" math to try and justify or scare a local community into thinking their best interests aren't being served by local officials.

"

" lol personal attacks? where? whatever...there is NO debate. We are taxed to death here in Auburn, feel our elected officials are bumbling and kinda get sic of people that think welp we elected them so whomever they have put in charge to make decisions is ok with me too - there is no accountability. For all we spend what do we really get? This town looks like crap. Maybe the BOE thinks cash comes from the same tree that Bush and his "new" rebate will come from! As a taxpayer in this area, if you are indeed in this area, why on earth would you want to spend even more money for projects that seem unacademic. Isnt Auburn like rated incredibly low in that department? "

" Now who resorts to personal attacks when they cant argue a point?

The fact remains, we are just entering into the second year of a 15 year bond over the last capitol improvement project. Once again, the monies received are not paid up front where we are paying just 20% of what is requested. Instead it is doled out over the life span of the note, so we are in FACT paying interest on the whole sum.

As for my math, it has nothing to do with MY MATH this is a matter of public record, anyone, and I mean anyone can and should look at what the district is wanting us to pay for. I stand by my assertion that we are getting raked over the coals.

Karl is 100% right on this as is everyone else that is questioning the boards logic in bringing this to a public vote. You however, "Paul" don't pay our taxes, you have nothing to say what so ever about what we do, or do not want. You let personalities cloud your better judgement because as they say politics is politics. But as for me, until the day I leave the city I was born in I will question my elected representatives and make sure what they are proposing to the public is for the betterment of the public and not for some egotistical reason, I will ensure they have the public in mind with every decision and not because they want to have their name engraved on some bronze plaque. Vote NO!

If anyone, and I mean anyone wants a copy of the spending proposal all you have to do is ask and I will give you one FREE of charge

email me at cayugacommunity@yahoo.com "

" Karl - Trust me, it gets my goat as well.

Nature Lover - Do you always resort to personal attacks when you can't intelligently debate an issue? I'm NOT a member of the BOE nor have I ever played one on TV. However, I have been around long enough to understand Jerry's "fuzzy" math.

Jerry's latest post in having readers believe that the district spent 14 million dollars last year on repairs is a bit misleading at best. Once again, Jerry forgot to add in state funding to paint an accurate picture of district spending.

"

" I'm almost afraid to ask what they're going to mow down and destroy to pave over with the new parking lot?
Yikes--I see your point, but it still rankles me to no end!
Jerry's obviously done the homework on this one... "

" Yikes, u r hitting the bottle early I c...NO to school repairs till the last mess is paid for. This list of improvements are not necessary in my opinion for academic achievement. I mean a DVD player in EVERY room? ridiculous. I think yikes is on the school board. How many folks do u think are really paying these tax bills with the amount of citizens on welfare? "

" Karl & Puzzled - I'm not debating the fact that $250.00 for a doorknob is ridiculous. The fact that NYS is willing to pay $200.00 toward the cost of that doorknob is a whole separate issue. The NYS tax base is much broader and shouldn't be confused with district (local) spending.

With that written, district taxpayers are in fact getting quite a bang for their buck. I firmly believe it's unjust to blame Mr. Pabis or the BOE in wanting to make capital improvements for a rate of 20 cents on the dollar. Personally, I think it makes perfect fiscal sense.

Lastly, if you're upset over the exorbitant cost of materials and services through bids, please contact the State of NY where the blame should be placed. Until then, that is the cost they're willing to pay and if Auburn doesn't accept it, another school district happily will.

"

" By the way Paul, not all those door knobs are for the school, as such they do NOT qualify for state aid. Administration building is exempt from receiving state aid, so lets add an additional $400,000 in proposed repairs at the administration building with 0% state aid. In my opinion this budget should be rejected and sent back to them. They need to get the message, this community cannot absorb anymore tax hikes "

" Unfortunately it isn't that simplistic Paul. The 80% state aid is not re cooped immediately, instead it will be doled out to the district over a 10 to 15 year period. So for the length of the loan will will be paying interest on the whole amount borrowed, not just 20%. This is not a deal, instead it is a rip off. There is nothing presented in that budget or the proposed spending plan that is a bargain. For example

1.) $746,000 for a parking lot

2.) $310,000 for 6 light poles

3.) $597,000 for a concession
stand/locker room

4.) $149,000 for a rubber cover
on a jogging track

5.) $2.1 million for artificial
turf

6.) $86,500 for a sports caster
booth

7.) $64,000 for lights in the
new parking lot

7.) $110,00 for a sound system

8.) $77,000 to repair new fencing

9.) $2.5 million for new computerized
projectors in very classroom


Last year this district spent 14 million dollars for building repairs, it is only into the second year of debt with another 13 years to go. This board and their leader is mortgaging this district to death, and placing additional burdens on an already over burdened taxpayer. Auburn and the surrounding communities are taxed so much people are leaving. Thus less people are here to carry that debt load. Sewer rates have increased over 20% from last year alone. The price for gas has doubled, economic advisers are warning us of a recession, the stock market has plummeted, the state is 4 billion in the red, and it seems that everyone has to tighten their belts but the school administrators. These bureaucratic fat cats continue to loosen their belts. Nothing in this spending plan is right for this community. Send it back. Vote no "

" Why is the administration NOT questioning the costs of materials? as far as the doorknobs--I do know that good locksets are very expensive. In addition, if it keeps a perpitrator who is running around the school with an automatic weapon OUT of the room where my sons are, then I'm all for spending the money. Just not paying double the market price. "

" 80 percent funding? 20 percent tazpayers? im dumb, where does the 80 percent come from? state have there own money making machine or did someone foget u and i cough up that 80 percent , want change, not only in auburn but evry where? no on budget and lets vote board members out that sit on the board term after term, knowing they will be in control because there buddies kep voting them in, 250 for a door knob? is that with a trade in on the old ones? hahahha "

" Yikes, please explain how the hell it's "a good bang for the buck" when you're STILL FLEECING THE NEW YORK TAXPAYERS FOR $250 DOORKNOBS?!?!
Just because "the State" is ponying up for the extra $200 bucks, do you think we're all getting that out of thin air? Ya think they have a money tree somewhere?
Who the hell cares if "the State" is "paying" 80%! That's OUR TAX MONEY! When do they start applying some sense of fiscal responsibility and frugality to the way they spend OUR tax dollars?!?!
YOur argument doesn't hold water! "

" I think it's important to look at the overall picture here. Yes, some of this spending is wasteful and unnecessary but with the State of NY funding 80% of the capital improvements, I think the ASD is getting quite a bang for their buck. Additionally, these funds simply can't be used for salary increases.

Let's use the figures Jerry provided below and examine the true cost to the district after 80% funding by NYS.

Doorknobs - 250 x $250.00 per doorknob minus 80% State Funding = $50.00 per doorknob.

Painting Lockers - $125.00 per locker minus 80% State Funding = $25.00 per locker.

Classroom Tech Equipment - $6,300.00 per classroom minus 80% State Funding = $1,260.00 per classroom.

Given the "true" cost to district taxpayers, I think it's very reasonable. If the plan gets turned down, I'm quite certain other districts would love to have the state funding to improve their schools.


"

" Thanks for the well-wishes yesterday -- I am "fine-thank-you-fine" today.

I don't live in the city, but I would sure be asking a lot of questions of whomever was in charge of getting estimates for these school repair plans. Where's the competitive bidding? I used to work for a private not-for-profit who gave bids to the buddies of the top administrator no matter what they charged, (being private there was no oversight and hence no going out for bids at all) -- so I know this kind of thing goes on. I'd love to see the school district respond to the generous offers of Two Cents posters here -- volunteers to do painting or contractors with much lower bids. How do they justify their absurdly high estimates? Sounds like the US Military.... "

" I could easily knock 20% off that budget without getting rid of one item. "

" Ya know, if someone would create a group of folks to help with these repairs, I would be there in a heartbeat to volunteer. I love to paint and I bet if we had a good leader/organizer, these jobs c/b done lickey split. Auburn has many talented people that need to be wrangled up. "

" dam I'll paint each locker for 75 and throw couple free door nobs in "

" Lets get off the twins Padis and Plume and the Auburn School Board comedy act and change the subject for a minute. In the morning post standard 1-19-08,a couple people commented on Cynthia Pugh being paroled. One of the comments said Pugh was convicted on circumstantial evidence, Pugh was lucky she didn't live in Cayuga County where one uses tainted evidence to get a person conviced of murder. "

" I'm comfused! Who is charging the school district these ridiculous charges for "repairs"? Union $$ isn't that HIGH!! Let's go to Home Depot & Lowes for competitive bids! Good Idea? "

" The ONLY place a school district should invest their money would be in the children. I never had to sell worthless chocolate and candles just to have toilet paper in the school bathroom. "

" Eeeeeyech! Something STINKS over at Auburn High! "

" Yes check out how much they want to spend for doorknobs,,, $250.00 a piece and they want 250. A real deal there!

Then they want to put a LCD projector with a screen, and stereo speakers, and a smart board and a camera, with wiring and power source in every single class room in the district, there are 31 class rooms at Genesee, 38 at Casey, 36 at Herman, 33 at Owasco, 39 at Seward, 49 at East, 46 at West and 97 at the High school for a total of 369 class room, at $6,300 per class room for a grand total of 2.3 million dollars

Then they plan to paint all the children's lockers at Seward and Genesee Schools at $125.00 each

This whole spending plan is rife with waste. They have no trouble in authorizing the spending of multi millions of dollars year after year.

12 Million last year and now JD Pabis wants to spend an additional 15 million dollars this year. Yet, we still have schools that are on the States failure list, we have a high drop out rate, and we have the highest paid Superintendent in the history of the district. What we need are teachers! We need the teachers if we are ever going to get this district back on track, spending millions on TURF and Projectors, and gold plated doorknobs will do nothing to improve the educational standards we want and expect. VOTE NO! "

" Every home owner should be voting! Our 2-cents here does nothing-if you really want the city to hear you then VOTE! "