To the Editor:

May 15 is the day New York voters get to vote for or against a tax increase on their property but very few ever take the time to do so. As we are the most oppressed taxpayers in the nation, why do so many abstain from participation in their only chance to vote against another tax increase?

Upstate’s economic stagnation and decline is causing many to vote with their feet. Do you feel it is wrong to vote “no?” Do you feel your vote is being suppressed? Is it apathy?

Maybe you voted “no” last year because you couldn't afford another tax increase but the budget passed anyway, so why bother?

You voted “no” and the budget failed but was repackaged and re-voted with little or no changes and passed on the second attempt.

You voted “no” and an austerity budget was put in place that was not exactly austere.

The state implemented a 2-percent tax cap but your local tax assessor increased your assessment so your taxes still went up.

What good is a 2-percent tax cap when the state allows districts to present “capital improvement” bond propositions to make up for funds they had to sacrifice in the budget?

Doesn’t this rigged system enable the rich minority of “yes” voters to tax the poor “no” voters and apathetic middle-class majority who choose to stay home?

Wouldn’t it be more democratic to be able to vote “yes” to a tax cut? In the next general election, would you be happy to vote “yes” or “no” on the incumbent only, with no challenger on the ballot?

Please, vote “no” on May 15 to make a statement against this rigged system. Don’t just stay home and let the plutocrats continue to run the show.

David Crawmer

North Greenbush