Frustrations Arise at Last Pre-Election Meeting

A resident's questions led to an exchange of frustrations at the Syosset Board of Education meeting Monday.

During audience to the public, resident Fred Gang asked about software that had been reportedly used by dozens of school districts across Long Island. The software, according to reports, makes it possible to use live voting data to target members of the community and selectively increase voter turnout. The practice is illegal under state election laws.

Superintendent Carole Hankin frustratedly interjected during Gang's statements, calling them "false accusations" and "misinformation."

One resident, Janet Wein, defended Hankin's statements, saying in her years working for BOCES and doing calls for budget votes, she never witnessed such practices. Wein specified that the calls are made to encourage voter turnout rather than to encourage a yes or no vote.

Gang then addressed his disappointment in the suspension of the newly created finance committee, saying, "Up until the last meeting I thought you were really making progress."

Board President Michael Cohen responded that the finance committee would be revisited in the fall "for sure."

After audience to the public had concluded, Trustee Josh Lafazan weighed in on the exchange, saying, "We don't restrict free speech…Just because you don't like what Mr. Gang has to say, it doesn't mean you get to censor him."

"There's a difference between free speech and going out and saying something that is a lie," responded Hankin, turning to address Lafazan.

"I haven't seen one added value from you in the district all year," she said, using a stalled MSG Varsity and Fios campaign Lafazan spearheaded as an example. "I wish you would instead of playing to the audience with the negative. We do an excellent job here and the reason we couldn't do more this year was because of all the foolishness we're dealing with."

"I will not sit up here and have an ad hominem attack about my integrity," Lafazan responded, defending his contributions, adding that company restructuring and other roadblocks were holding up the sports broadcasting campaigns. "I cannot let that comment go. Don't tell me I don't offer any value to the kids."

Cohen expressed his own feelings before continuing the meeting.

"What's happened now is I feel kind of handcuffed," said Cohen. "Regarding what Mr. Gang said about making progress, the minute we do something he may not necessarily agree with, does that mean progress has stopped? No."

He added, "This year has meant a lot to me. We had a real mess on our hands last summer and now, I think it's all okay."

Trustee Alan Resnick concluded the meeting by asking people to get out and vote.

"Whoever the new board members are, you should come in with independent minds and be there to support the kids and the district," Trustee Alan Resnick added at the end of the meeting.

"The majority of our votes here are unanimous because we all want the same thing, even though we disagree...I do encourage all of you to vote. We are in this together and we really do mean that."

Look for more later on Patch.