Stewart deserves another term

Incumbent Leslyn Stewart is facing a challenge on the Elmont school board from Stewart Manor resident Michael Cantara. Stewart has been on the board for over a year and half, having been appointed following the resignation of Jon Johnson. Both have experience and a passion for making Elmont a better community.

Stewart, an Elmont resident, has been active in community events dating back to 2005 when she lost her husband. Dillon Stewart was a detective in the NYPD and was killed in the line of duty while patrolling in Brooklyn. Suddenly burdned with raising her two daughters on her own, Stewart became a leader in the community, hosting events and fundraisers in honor of her husband. Since joining the board, she has showed her community mindendness and helped guide the board through the budget season without burdening the taxpayer.

For these reasons we urge voters to support Stewart.

Her opponent Michael Cantara would make a solid school board member as well. He has three sons, two of which are in Stewart Manor Elementary. His youngest is in pre-K. With multiple higher education degrees, including a doctorate in physical therapy, Cantara surely has the intelligence and motivation to be active in the community. He wants to bring new technologies to the district that would better involve parents in their childrens schoolwork.

With three sons under the age of 10, he has ample time to increase his exposure throughout the community and get a firmer grasp on issues related to Elmont. We thank Cantara for his work and commitment to the issues.

Support Elmont's budget

The Elmont School district is proposing a 2016-17 budget of $85.8 million, a 1.2 percent increase. The tax levy, totaling $54.7 million, which is not rising at all, at $54.7 million.

Incumbent school board trustees Michael Jaime, who serves as board president, and Tameka Battle Burkett are running for re-election unopposed and have done exemplary work during their time on the board.