(promoted from diaries - promoted by NYBri)
 On September 26, 2006, Steve Saland announced a $5 million technology grant to Marist College, at a time when local homeowners were facing an unprecedented escalation of their school taxes of crisis proportions. While Saland was giving $5 Million to Marist College, a private, tax exempt institution of higher education with tuition paying students and an endowment, he provided just $712,676 for the same purpose to local public schools...which was to be divided among 9 local Dutchess County districts. Coincidentally, the very next day the college announced completion of its brand new sports/tennis complex and beginning of rehabilitation to its football field for a cost of...get this...$5 million.
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| This tax giveaway is an example how the system in Albany is broken. First is the timing of the announcement, just prior to the election. Next, while the grant is not illegal, the fact that many of the College's Trustees are Saland contributors raises the appearance of an impropriety, even if none exist. These contributors are: Chairman, Mr. Robert R. Dyson, Chairman and CEO, The Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation Mr. Daniel G. Hickey '66, President, Hickey-Finn & Company
Dr. Dennis J. Murray, President, Marist College Mr. Christopher G. McCann '83, President, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Mr. Alexander S. Reese, Managing Director Hudson Heritage, LLC Mr. H. Todd Brinckerhoff, President, Brinckerhoff & Neuville, Inc. Mr. Tim Tenney, President, Pepsi Cola of the Hudson Valley Mr. Michael C. Duffy, Consultant Mr. Michael G. Gartland, Attorney, Corbally, Gartland and Rappleyea, LLp. While Marist College is a worthy and important member of the community, Saland's $5 million tax dollar giveaway should have been used for public schools, to reduce school tax burdens, and to improve the quality of education for our children; to provide assistance to the localities that provide Marist College non- reimbursed public services; or address the $5 million other necessary and import public needs in the 41st District. |
