The $365,000 — which would not have had a tax impact on residents — was necessary in order for the district to move forward with the project. Since the 2013 vote, which was approved by taxpayers, 585-507, the cost of constructing the field increased significantly. Bids opened last winter came in between $500,000 and $700,000 over budget. If approved Wednesday, the financing would have supplemented the $1.62 million originally approved by voters, although it would have been used for a scaled back version of the 2013 plan.
A group of parents — led by board member Susan Lamontagne — began a grassroots effort in 2012, and re-invigorated that movement last February, in an effort to push the district away from synthetic turf and towards a natural grass or natural sod option for the field, citing health and safety concerns surrounding the crumb rubber — or recycled tire rubber — infill. A federal study was launched last winter by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Centers for Disease Control to look into health and environmental safety concerns raised about turf fields and playgrounds made with recycled tires. A draft of that report is expected by the end of the year.
Two weeks ago, the Sag Harbor Elementary School PTA and the Pierson Middle High School PTSA voted to oppose the plan as well. At a second public session, hosted by the district last week, students were both supportive and opposed to the artificial turf. Sophomore Paige Schaefer, who plays field hockey and softball, presented the board with a petition boasting 100 student signatures supportive of the plan...
http://sagharboronline.com/sag-harbor-voters-mow-artificial-turf-plan/
and add #NotAGBrianFrosh
ReplyDeleteSAGs don't preoccupy themselves with mundane issues for the are the defenders of the State.
DeleteFraud is not a 'mundane' issue. Serious health issues are not 'mundane.' The AG can accept or initiate a wide range of cases. Up to him and his in-the-bubble pals.
Delete@11:37 And you are wrong about that. What you meant to say is that Maryland Attorney General's Brian Frosh and Doug Gansler don't look at issues where no bid contracts are being consistently given to the same companies over and over and over. #perksRus
ReplyDeleteI was referring specifically to Article V of the Maryland Constitution.
DeleteThese are all deals for plastic grass fields on MD State land. This IS a Statewide problem, involving spending of State tax dollars. Time to catch up.
DeleteI believe they expect the affected parties to enter the appropriate portal and follow the established process. http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/
DeletePortal? How hysterical. What "portal" get the MD Attorney General to investigate defective plastic grass and illegal curricular fees? Is that portal located somewhere in Narnia?
ReplyDeleteOh look, no portal, just AGs getting together:
http://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2016/121516.pdf
I get it. But, you'll agree that they only go after high profile cases.
Delete"In 2015, generic drug sales in the United States were estimated at $74.5 billion. . ."
Again, you are wrong.
Deletehttp://thedailyrecord.com/2016/12/22/maryland-attorney-general-nursing-home-lawsuit/
Many other States investigate fraud, waste and abuse of taxpayer education dollars, but not Maryland. Education dollars in Maryland can be flushed down the drain without consequences.
Not quite accurate. The State of Maryland does go after the small guys. I know!
DeleteRight, after small fries to collect a few dollars on their income tax returns.
DeleteFieldTurfTarkett spends tens of thousands of dollars on their lobbyist Van Fleet & Assoc. of Alexandria, VA to lobby Congress, EPA, the CDC and the Consumer Product Safety Commission on the issue of the health impacts of crumb rubber in synthetic turf. Read more at Opensecrets.org. Follow the money.
ReplyDelete