The Journal News from White Plains, New York • Page 15

section Thursday June 15, 1995 Rockland Journal-News Obituaries B2 Rockland Watch D2 Ramapo B3 Local news editor Camille Cooper, 578-2424 Roc Voten plain amnapo A lesson from our citizens Since the first vote, the budget was trimmed by about $700,000, reducing the projected tax rate increase from 4.04 to 2.24 percent. Yesterday's bigger voter turnout including 620 more in favor of the proposal suggested that parents came out in larger numbers to pass the proposal, School Superintendent Griff Powell said. "In 23 years of referendums," Powell said, 'I've learned that there's a tendency toward complacency. When they saw what happened and saw the board's efforts, eotra demonstrate this." he said, moments after the results were announced at district headquarters in Hillburn. Interviewed after voting yesterday, several people said they were pleased to cast their ballots in favor of the budget.

"I've never voted against a school budget in my life," said Virginia Jaeger, 69, whose son is a graduate of the Ramapo Central School District and is now an upstate schools superintendent. "Schools," she added, "are important." Eric Parnes, 38, was in Califor- Stall photoPeter Carr Staff photoPeter Carr River School, a private school in Middle School. By Skip Maloney For The Rockland Journal-News HILLBURN After narrowly defeating the budget last month, voters overwhelmingly approved a scaled-down $56.3 million spending plan for the Ramapo Central School District yesterday. The budget passed by 545 votes 1731 to 1186 with more than 2,900 ballots cast. In its first outing last month, the budget proposal lost by 79 votes with 2300 people casting ballots.

SING IT OUT: The Nyettes. Nyack School By Nathan Demosthene For the Rockland Journal-News Respect, self-esteem and achievement joined spicy, southern-style cooking yesterday during the June teen th festival of freedom at Nyack Middle School. Students and faculty celebrated the African- American holiday commemorating the day that news of the Emancipation Proclamation the declaration of freedom for the slaves finally reached the South. The event was sponsored by He-shima Club at Nyack Middle School, which prepared food and provided entertainment for all those who attended the event in the school library. Performing at the festival were actor Rufus James and Metropolitan nia when the budget first came up for a vote and said he was making sure that he cast a ballot for the proposal this time.

"I'm willing to pay for quality education," he said, noting that though he now had no children in the system, two were on their way. "I moved here from Southern California where I lived for 16 years and tripled my property taxes." "People out there voted to keep property taxes low with the infamous Proposition 13," he added, "and decimated the schools." artist tells of special graphics By Kate Boylan Staff Writer NEW CITY The Orange and Rockland Utilities graphic artist was testifying yesterday about a thank-you note for personal graphics work she did for Margaret Smith, wife of defendant James F. Smith. But when it was learned the artist, Shirley Ericson, kept a file of similar thank-you notes for special work done for other officials and that the district attorney had the file the defense demanded to see it. The judge interrupted the prof ceedings in the larceny trial against fired chief executive office and former board chairman and sent assistant district attorney Jason Pa-roff back to his office to find the file.

Although the prosecution disagreed that the file contained evidence that could exonerate the defendant, the judge said the information was relevant. "I think you have an obligation to turn that over," state Supreme Court Justice Nicholas Colabella said. "I direct you to turn that over, forthwith." Failure to turn over information that could shed light on the defendant's actions, if later discovered, could result in an overturned verdict. While Smith maintains that his case does not belong in criminal court, the state charges Smith diverted $45,000 in company assets by taking inappropriate perquisites and expenses. Testimony yesterday the eighth day of Smith's trial centered on allegations that Smith caused to pay $4,600 in graphics and printing work that was for his own use from 1990 and 1992.

The work included such items as engagement invitations for his son and his daughter, a hand-colored wedding program for his daughter, and printed directions to Seashell SMITH continues B2 Middle School faculty members, perform yesterday during Nyack Middle School's celebration ofJunetcenth. celebrates Juneteenth they made a greater effort to get out and vote this time." Powell said much credit goes to the Ramapo Teacher's Association which agreed to accept lower pay raises than previously set by contract, a deal that cut expenses by $630,000. Board of Education president Tom Ballato had praise the efforts led to the budget's approval. "There was a collaborative atmosphere between the administration, teachers and (others) that solidified the efforts and I think the results CELEBRATING: Students from the Nyack. perform yesterday at Syack simple mix up.

Branti will face Republican Michael Bongiorno, who was appointed last month by Gov. George Pataki to replace Kenneth Gribetz. Bongiorno, who grew up in Spring Valley, lives in New City. It was clear from their comments last night the Democrats intend to portray Bongiorno, who spent 14 years in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office before becoming Rockland's top prosecutor, as an outsider who knows little of Rockland. During his nomination of Branti, Ramapo Town Attorney Alan Simon said Bongiorno had "lived a sheltered life in the New York City criminal courts," and described Branti as "somebody we an trust and who is one of us." Branti said Bongiorno "is an outsider," and that Rocklanders need to know that "everything is not wrong with the Rockland D.A.'s office.

There is a lot that is right about it." Seeking the Democratic nomination for family court are Linda Christopher of Nyack; Ramapo Legislator Bruce Levine, Marilyn Davis, Robert Berliner of Ramapo; and Catherine Miklitisch of Orangetown. Monte said he is certain that the party will be united behind all its candidates in November. So far, the Republicans have not selected a candidate to challenge Nelson. 1 One day before President Clinton appeared on national television to deliver his plan for a balanced federal budget, 25 ordinary Rock-landers gathered in New City to put the final touches on their own federal spending plan. Using information obtained from the Congressional Budget Office and various lobbying groups, the Citizens Congress put forward a plan to slash the deficit by $1 trillion and balance the budget by 2002.

Now the idea of ordinary citizens coming up with a plan to balance the federal budget may seem like the plot of a bad Walt Disney movie, but there are some things lawmakers in Washington can learn from the effort. The Citizen Congress's plan, which will be sent to lawmakers in Washington, in cludes: A 3 percent across-the-board cut in spending for fiscal year 1996. Spending would then be frozen at 1996 levels until 2002. Saving $185 billion in Medicare and Medicaid spending through cost GLENN BLA1N On Government controls and reform of the health-care system. Enhancing revenues by about $243 billion by eliminating tax loopholes and subsidies for corporations, limiting home-mortgage deductions to $300,000 of principal, increasing excise taxes on cigarettes to 50 cents a pack and taxing the emissions of air and water pollutants.

No tax cuts But maybe the most striking part of the plan is its lack of a tax cut. The group's leader, Yash Aggarwal of New City, said it makes little fiscal sense to cut taxes when faced with a $1.2 trillion deficit. the Congress relies solely on-spending cuts on the one side and gives tax cuts on the other, you are on a pretty slippery slope," said Aggarwal, a community activist who formed the citizen's; group. But don't tell that to most congressional Republicans or Clinton, who both found it necessary to include tax cuts in their budget proposals. That underscores what seems to be a major problem with the current budget process too much politics.

Most Americans don't seem to mind going without tax cuts, so long as the money goes to fighting the deficit. A USA TODAYCNN Gallup foil released in April found that percent of Americans believed reducing the deficit should be a hjgher priority than cutting taxes. Only 33 percent wanted fax breaks to be given a higher priority. 1 Not giving a tax break would Certainly be a risky political strategy in today's conservative climate, but a reduced deficit would very likely be the best break lawmakers could give future generations. "I am totally convinced that there is very little statesmanship out there," Aggarwal said.

"People are not willing to take political risks." That lack of statesmanship is what prompted Aggarwal to form his citizens group with the hope of raising public awareness about the budget. "I found out that once people were told the hard truth, they were actually willing to make the necessary sacrifices," Aggarwal said. Just what sacrifices Americans must make will be determined by Congress and the president over the next several months. And the process is sure to include lots of threats, posturing and long-winded speeches. brings us to the next lesson the Citizen's Congress can send to Washington: "If we can do it, than it should not be that difficult a process for those with a lot of resources at their disposal," Aggarwal said.

Glenn Blain writes about government each Thursday. He can Ik' reached at 578-2444. Democrats nominate candidates But they stop short at Family Court judge ill Opera singer Nicola James. The husband and wife performed an educational and humorous skit depicting the apprehension of two slaves waiting for Lincoln to outlaw slavery. Students took their turn on stage.

A chorus of sixth-graders started off slowly but soon were singing at full voice, egged on by a teacher playing stride piano. Their singing and clapping to gospel music earned a standing ovation. Also joining in the festivities were the Nyettes, a musical group composed of Nyack Middle School faculty who sang jazz, while guests and students sampled plates of chili, ribs, sweet potato pie and southern fried chicken. JUNETEENTH continues B2 'I don't play the role of stopping primaries. That has never been my role Vincent Monte, Rockland Democratic Party chairman getting the Democratic party to unite," Rose said.

"It is very tough to run a good race." But the party's unity showed cracks even last night as Clarks-town Democratic Chairman Paul Adler publicly criticized Monte for not letting him second Branti's nomination for district attorney. "It is disappointing that the chairman could not put aside his own bickering," Adler shouted to the audience during the convention. Later, Adler said Monte was attempting to punish Adler for his attempt last summer to oust Monte as chairman. "Mr. Monte has had ill feelings toward us ever since I exercised my right to challenge him," Adler said.

"It is petty nonsense." Monte played down the riff with Adler, saying he simply forgot that Adler wanted to second Branti's nomination. He twice publicly apologized to Adler. Branti said he believed it was a in -i t. i- i By Glenn Blain Staff Writer MONTEBELLO Rockland Democrats last night selected their slate of candidates but may still face questions about party unity come November. As expected, the party unanimously nominated County Court Judge William Nelson for another 10-year term, former Public Defender Peter Branti for district attorney and Nyack Deputy Mayor William Rose for sheriff.

But faced with five candidates for Family Court Judge, party leaders Local primaries are scheduled for Sept. 12 decided not to make a nomination, opting instead to await the results of a primary in November. "I don't play the role of stopping primaries," said Rockland Democratic Chairman Vincent Monte after last night's convention. "That has never been my role." Rose, a retired New York City detective, said he decided late Tuesday night to accept the challenge of running against the popular Republican Sheriff, James Kralik. "I don't know if anyone is tough to beat, it is just a matter Staff photo Diana Stevanaon Vets honorably dispose of flags George DelRegno, commander of American Legion Post 310 in Nyack, burns old American flags yesterday at the legion hall.

In background is fellow member Mike Maltese..