Letter from Bob Harrison

The following letter was submitted from the Campaign for Bob Harrison: On Wednesday May 12th, the Journal News Editorial Board endorsed Bob Harrison for the open Board of Education seat previously held by Jeff Blatt, based on his qualifications and experience and his extensive understanding of the details of the costs of education and willingness to discuss the details of issues facing the Scarsdale School District versus being influenced by the school PTA for his opponent.

Bob Harrison, following recommendations of the TVCC Budget Study Report dated 4/8/10, supports the return of a portion of the sizable undesignated reserves of $$5,389,757 held by the district and earning a meager 0.05 % return. The TVCC report states: "This is the rainy day (for our residents). We recommend at least $1 million be contributed to tax relief, which will still leave sufficient funds for future contingencies. "

The TVCC report states it has significant reservations about the budget based on several fundamental policies and proposals that also impact future budgets. These areas need to be addressed with the 43 years of Bob Harrison’s business and financial expertise and 30 years of community service.

Bob Harrison supports the return of $ 12,500 to the Teen Center Budget and $13,000 to the Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service budget. Bob's opponent has been unwilling to discuss specific issues raised in the TVCC report and the Chairman of the SBNC says there are no issues.

With a $135,000,000 school budget including the highest paid teachers in New York State by far (at the median salary - Scarsdale salaries are $ 118,636 versus Edgemont salaries at $97,821) we must have open discussion of our school district issues. With over 450 teachers, the $ 20,815 difference equals over $9 million that could have been used to reduce the tax rate by 4.5 % and add 45 teachers for smaller class size and offering more courses like Mandarin if we had the same salary structure as Edgemont does which has an excellent school system.

A taped "Bob Harrison for School Board " program, with moderator, Nancy Berdon and candidate Bob Harrison will play on the Scarsdale Village channel 75 and Fios Channel 43 this weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 PM each evening. The program is 33 minutes long and features Bob Harrison's qualifications with an MBA and his business and financial experience for the Board seat of outgoing Board member with an MBA, Jeff Blatt and focuses on the financial and educational issues facing the Scarsdale Board of Education.

Every Scarsdale resident should read the TVCC Budget report at www.scarsdaleforum.com or contact Bob Harrison for information about his candidacy or the report at 914 725-0962 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Vote on Tuesday, May 18th at the Middle School Gym.