Jaclyn Yarusso cites her years at Brewster High School when asked why she makes it a point to participate in school budget elections.
"I was a student here," she said on her way out of the polls around 4:15 p.m. Tuesday. "I feel like it's important for future generations to have what I had."
Resident Pete Hopkinson tries to vote as often as possible.
"Voting on the school budget is always good because it affects you directly: tax wise and/or education for your family," he said as he headed into the high school with his 2-year-old son.
Resident Daniel O'Connor voted in favor of the budget. He said there was nothing specific about the candidates or the spending plan that brought him out; he just makes voting a habit.
"It's very important to pass the school budget, especially now," resident Denise Santalis said. "I don't like what's going on with the state. State mandates that aren't being funded. [Gov. Andrew] Cuomo promised that he was pro-education, and so did [President Barack] Obama and I think they're doing a disservice to all the districts, so it's up to the little people to pass the budget."
Santalis, who was with her daughter Gabrielle, also mentioned the property tax cap. She called it "absolutely ridiculous," and said it places "undue restraint on the districts."
The polls close at 9 p.m. Read about the proposed budget and school board candidates at the following link:
http://southeast.patch.com/groups/schools/p/budget-school-board-votes-share-your-decision-here
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