A budget increase of 5.59 percent with a tax levy increase of 5.89 percent (significantly higher than the average 3.87 percent proposed tax increase on Long Island school districts), plus a $7.8 million bond issue - can they really be that much in denial?

School taxes have risen 70 percent in the last ten years. Ten years of relentless borrowing and reckless spending are taking their toll. Over 350 local properties are in some stage of foreclosure proceedings. More than 250 homes in the Herricks school district alone are up for sale and sellers are finding it nearly impossible to get their price. Property values are down while property taxes continue to rise. The STAR Rebate program, designed to provide property tax relief, has actually worked to stimulate more school district spending. A recent poll showed that 72 percent of homeowners fully support a property tax cap to put the brakes on school taxes.

Air-conditioned gyms, air-conditioned cafeterias and air-conditioned auditoriums? Do they know that oil is $125/barrel? Some financial analysts predict it will go to $200/barrel within two years. Rebates, an exclusive Keyspan natural gas deal and even dual oil/gas systems won't change the fact that future school district energy and fuel costs will be catastrophic . Budget appropriations for busing (diesel is approaching $5/gallon), lighting, heating (and now air conditioning) will be staggering. The only winners here will be LIPA, National Grid-Keyspan and the account executive from Searingtown who brokered the deal.

Before you vote to approve $600,000 to resurface the high school track, residents of the Shelter Rock Library District should know that on March 4, 2008, the Town of North Hempstead Board authorized a $6.6 million bond issue to renovate the library. You didn't get to vote on it, but you do get to pay for it for the next 15 years.

By approving these tax and spend propositions, you become part of the problem. Out of control property taxes are bringing down your property values. Protect your investment in your home by rejecting both these propositions on May 20.

Timothy F. O'Leary