A lot of people have realized that here in New York we have an imbalance; that imbalance being the constant expansion of government and the shrinking of its benefactor, the private sector. Just that statement says it all: Unsustainable and irresponsible.

What many people fail to realize is that school budget votes are the only instrument we have to make our concerns known. No politician can stand up to the entrenched power in Albany, so voting for a “candidate for change” is kind of a joke, at least in this state.

Many people think that in spite of the ever-increasing taxes it would be unfair to the kids to vote against budgets and worse, futile to vote against them because then the dreaded “contingency” budgets kick in.

This is of course what you're supposed to think. You're being played.

The reality of the situation is that you do have the power, but Albany is using the kids as a human shield. Consistently voting “no” on school budgets that expand faster than prevailing wages is not only the responsible thing to do, it's the best thing you can do for the kids' futures and our only hope of ever changing the drunken-sailor mentality of those in charge.

Your votes, believe it or not, do register within the halls of power. The masses cannot be governed and utilized effectively without their consent.

Conversely, if you consistently cave into the heart-wrenching and scare tactics and vote “yes” on school budgets, you only have yourself to blame for high taxes and fewer and fewer opportunities for your adult children. The school votes not only raise your property taxes but they send that all important message to Albany that the taxpayers can be squeezed for yet a bit more. This is not a theory. This is human nature and the nature of greed.

This budget vote, please make the tough choice. Put sentiments aside and look at the logistics of expanding expenditures and shrinking revenues. Fiscal conservatives can come off sounding mean but the reality is that if we don't all wake up to their way of thinking, our kids don't have a chance. These are the guys who genuinely care about the next generation.

Vote “no” at the next school budget vote, and vote “no” at the one after that. A little “contingency” will prove to be very good for the future of our children. Send the message loud and clear.

Joe Lonsky

Genoa