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STEFANIE RAFES, PA House 187 (includes Alburtis and Macungie Boroughs; Heidelberg, Lower Macungie, Lynn, Upper Macungie Districts 3, 7 & 8, Washington and Weisenberg Townships
Stef Rafes Canvass in Lower Macungie Township
When: Sat, May 11
Time: 10:00am–1:00pm and 1:00pm–4:00pm EDT
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— Candidates Jay Rohatghi and Chris Pirrotta
In brief: The promise to never raise taxes might sound appealing, but it’s often a red flag for oversimplification or deliberate misinformation.
The old ‘I won’t ever raise taxes!’ line is a political standby. While no one enjoys taxes, this promise is a classic fear tactic that preys, especially on cash-strapped seniors.
Let’s break it down with three truths about taxes in Parkland:
If we’re on the same page with these points, let’s delve deeper:
Growth: We’re nearing capacity at our middle schools and high school. The district’s plan involves strategic enhancements to Parkland High and Orefield Middle School, budgeted at $150-180 million over the next decade. (Details at parklandsd.org/vision2030)
Our Seniors: Tax increases can be burdensome, particularly for cash-strapped seniors. We should not price these members of our community out of the district. I’m for exploring additional waivers or reduced taxes for those on fixed incomes. Note, Parkland already has Tax Rebate program: https://www.parklandsd.org/…/senior-citizen-tax-rebate
Smart Financial Planning: Parkland maintains a healthy Fund Balance appropriate for our overall budget. The Fund Balance isn’t a piggy bank; it’s our district’s financial reputation. It secures the best borrowing rates and keeps long-term costs—and taxes—lower.
Legal: Putting inexperienced individuals on the School Board can lead to costly legal battles. Directors must follow local, state, and federal laws; activism has no place on the board and can incur needless legal expenses—paid by taxpayers like us.
The goal is, and always should be, to avoid raising taxes whenever possible.
But given the complexities we’ve outlined, can anyone genuinely promise no tax increases with a straight face? They might try, but that would reveal a concerning lack of understanding.
Interestingly, those pledging no tax hikes were notably absent from the most transparent and critical public discussion of Parkland’s budget this Spring. A detailed walkthrough of our district’s $200m+ budget was the ideal forum for anyone serious about fiscal responsibility to engage and inquire. Of all the candidates not currently serving on the board, Chris Pirotta was the only one present.
Don’t be fooled by empty rhetoric. Stay sharp and informed.
Moreover, endorsing radical and unlawful ideas will only spell legal trouble and financial strain for our district.
We, the FIRST FIVE slate, are not only candidates but also residents, parents, and grandparents within the district. The weight of tax decisions rests on our shoulders, too. We understand the impact firsthand.
This Tuesday, make a discerning choice. Support the FIRST FIVE on the Parkland Ballot—candidates with a history of capable, prudent leadership, and the know-how to guide our school district without resorting to quick-fix tax increases.
Choose substance over slogans. Vote for the team that has a track record of upholding Parkland’s educational standards and managing our finances wisely: Marisa Ziegler, Jay Rohatgi (Both 4YR and 2YR), Chris Pirrotta, Lisa Roth, and Carol Facchiano.
Check out ProudofParkland.com – Look forward to seeing you on election day!
Jay Rohatghi https://www.facebook.com/upperlehighdemocraticclub/posts/723732033119195
Chris Pirrotta https://www.facebook.com/forparkland/posts/271619512540535
Information to keep in mind when reading this article:
When the “Elevating Excellence” school board candidates frame their platform as about “parents’ rights,” it’s crucial to remember that the rights of some parents should never come at the expense of the well-being and equal treatment of ALL parents and students in a public school system.
There are outside interests and funding involved in local school board races. The Moms for Liberty movement is established in the Lehigh Valley, impacting our local school districts and backing candidates on 2023 ballots. Read more about their activism in the Lehigh Valley; about their founding, objectives and funding sources.
Read the Morning Call Article Here
Presented by Committee of 70, Online, Wed., Jan. 4, NOW AVAILABLE ON VIDEO
PA Senator Art Haywood and Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez, School Board Director of the East Stroudsburg Area School District, present a virtual training on how to make positive change in your community by running for the local school board. Event partners include the Pennsylvania Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, the Pennsylvania Commission on Latino Affairs, Latino Victory Project and C70.
ACCESS THE VIDEO ON THIS PAGE: https://www.senatorhaywood.com/citizenadvocacy
VIDEO OF THIS EVENT IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING ONLINE, Senator Art Haywood and Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez, School Board Director of the East Stroudsburg Area School District, present MLK Day of Action: Virtual Advocacy Training. Learn how to run for elected office and make positive changes in your community. Event partners include Committee of 70, the Governor’s Commission on African American Affairs, the Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs. Panelists include LaDeshia Maxwell, Stephanie Sun, Dr. Tyler Titus, and Justin Villere.
MORE INFORMATION & PAGE WITH VIDEO
