Support West Hempstead budget, Rilling, Mariano, Brohm

With the economy struggling, the implementation of a state tax cap and continued increases in mandated costs, West Hempstead School District Superintendent John Hogan and his deputy, Richard Cunningham, grappled with many challenges while crafting the 2012-13 spending plan.

The district is proposing a 1.46 percent increase over the current budget and a tax levy increase of 2.58 percent. We encourage voters to support the plan, which preserves all academic programs, clubs and sports and maintains class sizes and faculty.

After residents criticized the administration for an original tax levy increase of 3.06 percent, officials reduced it by using reserves and additional state aid. They have done an admirable job, and residents should give it their “yes” votes next Tuesday.

There are six candidates running for three seats on the Board of Education. Incumbent Carole Rilling, who has been on the board for 18 years, brings a wealth of knowledge to the board and is heavily involved in the community. As a longtime educator, she puts students first and encourages them to excel. She has many ideas — including implementing more Advanced Placement courses and strengthening the rapport between the board and the community. Residents should re-elect her to a seventh term.

Her challenger, Perry Fogg, a resident of 44 years, has his heart in the right place, but needs to learn more about the workings of the district and its spending.

Incumbent James Mariano is also an 18-year board member. He has focused on student achievement and enhancing safety and technology. His challenger, former Wall Street market technical analyst William Signorile, says he believes the district is spending too much and that standardized test scores are too low. These are admirable concerns, but not enough for us to give Signorile the nod over Mariano, who deserves voters’ support.

West Hempstead residents Karen Brohm and Dennis Walsh are vying for the third seat, which is now occupied by Vincent Trocchia, who is not running. We like both candidates, but we believe the board would benefit from Brohm’s enthusiasm, creativity and candid approach. We encourage Walsh to remain active in the community, but we endorse Brohm.