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Merger is only answer to help lower taxes

Posted 9/18/14

To the Editor: How can anyone make a clear and correct decision regarding the Canton-Potsdam school merger when all we get is whining from both sides? Yes, Potsdam would get the high school. I assume …

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Merger is only answer to help lower taxes

Posted

To the Editor:

How can anyone make a clear and correct decision regarding the Canton-Potsdam school merger when all we get is whining from both sides?

Yes, Potsdam would get the high school. I assume because it is the larger school. Yes, it will be somewhat inconvenient at times for parents to travel to pick up students.

Yes, there is $35 million to come from the state, but as I understand it, only if the merger occurs.

I agree that statistics can be manipulated. It seems that Potsdam benefits more than Canton when it comes to tax reductions, but only because they have been less fiscally responsible.

I for one am looking for any tax relief, and if the merger can provide that, then let’s do it. If the merger doesn’t happen, we have been warned that programs will be cut or taxes will have to rise.

I have lived in the Canton school district for nearly 30 years and never has a school budget/taxes been voted down. So, it seems that no merger means higher taxes.

Since the schools are not willing to reduce programs or look for new ways to raise funds for sports and other non-essential programs, then the merger would be the only answer.

Paul F. DeShane

Potsdam