Reader Feedback: Farmers' Market and School Budget Vote

Produce wanted

This week we asked readers what they hoped to be able to buy at Babylon Village's new farmer's market, which is tentatively scheduled to begin this July.

On Facebook, Sandra Levine wanted to be able to buy "Miss Amy's Preserves! They're at the Islip farmers' market as well as several others. They have great preserves, local honey and tapenades."

Jessica Callahan Farrell wrote: "Goodale farm! Organic farm and they have everything...eggs, cheese, milk vegetables!"

Karina Rocio agreed. "Local and organic fruits and veggies. Including grass fed meat and poultry if possible."

Budget Passes

Readers responsed to news that Babylon voters overwhelmingly supported next year's school budget. The votes came in Tuesday night at 904-340 in favor of the budget.

Mark pointed out that "local schools depend a lot on state aid these days, even with the high taxes we pay locally. When that state aid is cut, like it is this year, schools have to ask for more local contributions or cut programs. I don't like it either, but we have a good school system in Babylon and need to keep it that way. Good schools also equal higher property values."

Vincent Santangelo said: "This is about the children They need the best that money can afford, good education and great courses, and after school activities. If these kids do not get a great education then what is the purpose of living here? Teachers need to be paid well, otherwise they will not get a good education. It is as simple as that. If folks can not afford these tax increases then they need to leave this area."