AMSTERDAM, N.Y.-- Many schools throughout the area are facing budget crises this year. After months of debate, voters now have the final word on school budgets. For Greater Amsterdam School District however, both a hefty tax increase and staff cuts are before voters.
Casting a vote is an internal struggle. For some, like never before.
"Our school tax a 16 percent increase and still laying off 60 people?" said Mike Cinquanti, Amsterdam resident. "It's hard to imagine."
There are 62 layoffs, to be exact, but for Paul Dufresne, a 16.5 percent tax levy increase is a pill he's willing to swallow.
"I believe that education is the most important thing in America today," said Paul Dufresne, Amsterdam voter. "It is the one thing that we're falling behind in."
Other voters are more concerned with falling behind in their bills.
"Our taxes are outrageous and if we don't show an interest it gets worse," said Ann Sherman, Amsterdam voter.
"I don't think that everything that can be done has been done," said Leann Rosenthal, Amsterdam voter.
Ironically, Amsterdam's contingency budget is more expensive than the one on the table, but for Tami Wessel, that's no reason to support it.
"Nobody's addressing what the real issues are," said Wessel.
Even Congressman Paul Tonko shared the frustration of voters in the district where he lives.
"The anger is real, it's understandable," said Congressman Tonko.
His anger directed more at his peers in congress, for not doing enough to provide relief to schools and property owners.
"Something is vitally wrong when we don't concentrate on the middle class but rather give millionaire and billionaire tax cuts and oil company handouts," said Congressman Tonko.
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