The proponents of the "no" vote on the school budget consistently referred to "sending a message" to the BOE and to the school administration. I cannot tell you whether that message was received by the BOE or administration, but I can tell you who heard the message loud and clear:

The kids who strive to improve academically, socially, artistically and athletically only to be told that $.68 a day is too much to pay for them to express themselves and develop their passion.

The over 2500 kids who play sports for the CYO Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball program, the Manhasset Baseball League, the Manhasset Soccer Club and the PAL Lacrosse program whose fees will double or triple this upcoming year and whose programs will be considerably scaled back because it is unconscionable to charge $450 or more for a sports season.

The local businesses and merchants (of which Manhasset Sporting Goods is one) like the pizza places, restaurants and delis who rely on pre- and post-game meals as well as other meetings and those who supply equipment, etc. to players and parents alike.

Those are the ones who suffered most with the budget failure. Those are the ones who received the message loud and clear. A message that was also heard in other communities who now question the thought process of the Manhasset community. The damage done will surface for a few years, and we will all see our community suffer.

I would also hope that our education system teaches some of the young people who carried a "NO" sign throughout the town and when questioned as to why stated, "I am being paid to carry the sign" the definition of one who compromises what is right for money. That is some message that was sent.

John Kiggins