I was disappointed that Randolph Central School Superintendent, Kaine Kelly complained about the Amish in our district, about them voting on our budget, May 19th. The Amish Community, in general, are actually reluctant to vote. After receiving Randolph’s Budget Newsletter asking for an increase of $2.50 per thousand, clearly, they did the math to realize that equals a 40% tax increase to them! They must have decided to have their voices heard. Randolph’s annual tax increase has been staying in the 2-3% increase for many years, which is what New York State recommends school districts to shoot for. So a number of their community came out to vote, and rightfully so, but it wasn’t in the hundreds as claimed by Kaine Kelly, implying that by voting they were being “used” and “trucked in” by a handful of people opposed to the budget, which is an insult to their voting rights.

I wish any voter in the district could count on a neighbor, friend, or relative to get a ride to the polls if they were elderly, disabled or motorless; Amish or non-Amish! I doubt that a 200 foot hitching rail to tie their horse and buggy to will be installed by the time of the revote on June 16th. I actually feel bad that they have to pay school taxes, along with their own, and receive no services from Randolph Central School, and they are taxed at the same rate as non-Amish! Randolph has one of the lowest tax levies in Western New York and will still, when the budget eventually gets settled. This is partly due to the fact that the Amish Community makes Randolph District less wealthy to New York State, as they have many children and lower incomes. Randolph’s biggest advantage against other districts is the fact that Allegany State Park and other state lands in our district pay 55% of our local share collected. To have the Superintendent put blame on these lands for making the district look more wealthy and driving down state aid, doesn’t begin to make up for the taxes they do pay! It’s been like this for many years and our foundation aid has remained consistent. I am sure the Salamanca School District would love to take Allegany State Park off our hands, but this would be the most foolish land deal since “Stewards Folly” in 1867, when Russia sold us Alaska for 2 cents per acre!

So hopefully we have an even greater turnout on June 19th, so everyone’s voices are heard, whether it is a yes or a no.

David Adams is a 20-year member of the Randolph Central School Board of Education.