Our current board of education simply doesn't get it. Though they spend $100 million, over $20,000 per child per year, many outsiders raise additional money for services we should expect. It's about efficiency, and our boards have never made efficiency a priority. I know Frank Russo and Peter Wezenaar. They are good people who have demonstrated that they will better serve our community.

I don't know how normal people can afford Port Washington. Between our personal health insurance and real estate taxes, we're behind $30,000 before the year starts. The schools take the lion's share of the real estate tax, and now they want 10 percent more. That's approximately an additional $1,000 per year (not just this year, but each year forever) for most of us, more to be added next year, and the year after. The high current cost is the result of years of financial carelessness compounded.

Last year, a record number of budgets failed across Long Island. In Port, everyone running last year promised they would try to reduce costs. Yet this year, our board recommends a 10 percent tax increase. Our board is non-responsive to the public.

I know that most in Port Washington lean left, but please elect conservatives and demand efficiency. Please vote for Frank Russo, Peter Wezenaar and Joel Katz. Education is far too important to be run in a financially slipshod fashion.

Joseph Mirzoeff