Across the Director's Desk
The annual library budget vote and trustee election will take place in the library at 203 Main Street on Wednesday, April 21 from 7 AM until 8 PM. Application for absentee ballots must be made to Pauline Kehoe at the library. The deadlines for these ballots are April 14, for those who require the ballot be mailed, and April 20, for those who will pick it up. Completed absentee ballots must be received by 5 PM April 21.
The proposed operating budget of $528,292 requires a real property tax of $473,792, which represents a $20,813 (4.6%) increase in taxes over this years budget. The remainder of the 5.5% increase in operating expenses will be offset by appropriated fund balance.
This budget translates into an estimated tax of 43 cents per $1000 of assessed valuation for a home in Goshen, based on last year's equalization. A Goshen home assessed at $150,000 would pay a library tax of $64.50.
Complete details about the budget are included in the library newsletter which was mailed to all homes within the school district on March 31. If you did not receive one, please contact the library (294-6606), where additional copies are available.
Two trustees are running unopposed for re-election. David A. Donovan is seeking election to the two year unexpired term of Elaine McClung, to which he was appointed in October 1998. For David, a Goshen native, the main issue before the library Board is the decision to site and construct a new library. He states,"I recognize the unique character and history of the current library structure and am committed to preserving it. Unfortunately, this building is no longer adequate to provide all of the public benefits that can be made available in a new facility." As a result, he is committed to siting and constructing a new library.
In addition to working on the library board, David is active in the Goshen Rotary Club, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Inspire - the CP Center. He is also a member of the Orange County Conditional Release Commission and the Orange County Parks Master Plan Advisory Committee. He is a former member of the Orange County Legislature and the Orange County Industrial Development Agency.
Mark Gargiulo is seeking reelection to the five year term of which he is the incumbent. Mark has been a member of the library board since 1997. A Goshen native, he is committed to making a difference in Goshen by planning for its future while respecting its history. He believes, "The backbone and soul of a community lie within its cultural environment, and the library is at the center of this environment." While committed to the need for a new building, he is equally committed to finding an appropriate use for the present building.
Mark currently serves on the Board of the Historic Track and is the adult advisor to St. John's Youth Organization.