Port Washington Votes 'Yes' on Library Budget

The Port Washington Public Library's budget passed by a 5 to 1 margin on Tuesday. The community voted 525 to 100 to approve the budget for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011. The now-approved budget was $6,514,482, which means a 1.88 percent tax levy increase for Port Washington residents.

"We thank the people of Port Washington for casting their votes in support of the budget and acknowledging the library's value, especially in these difficult times," PWPL Director Nancy Curtin said about the results. "We have worked hard to gain the community's trust and will continue to work hard to keep it."

The trust that Curtin speaks of is what many Port Washington residents echoed, supporting the library in Tuesday's vote.

"The library is such a wonderful resource for myself and my children," said Debra Freeman, a physician and mother of three. "It's such a beautiful place to spend an afternoon."

Barbara Jagiello, an accountant for the U.S. Treasury, said she feels that the library is a centerpiece of Port Washington. "I voted yes – a thousand times, yes," Jagiello said. "It's very good to see my money well spent."

But not everyone agreed. Registered nurse Helen Tsouratakis was one of the 100 people who voted against the budget. "We're drowning right now, the economy," Tsouratakis said. "We all have to tighten our belts and our budgets, from brain surgeons to floor washers."

Library trustee John O'Connell was on the ballot on Tuesday as well. He was the only member of the board whose seat was up for grabs. While running unopposed, O'Connell received 545 votes in his victory.

"Even though he was the only one running, I voted for John because I feel that he genuinely cares about and supports the library," Port Washington resident Steve Kaplan said. " The library is a huge asset to the town, with so many great, free programs, and what's better in these times than free entertainment? The library is great."