On Tuesday, Sept. 8 I attended a presentation at Riverhead High School regarding a the Family Community Life Center proposal.
I arrived late, but in time for the vote on this proposal by the board members present. I believe the vote was: 2 yes, 3 no, 1 abstention and 1 board member absent.
Although I arrived late and did not hear the Board’s discussion, I am familiar with the proposal, as I chaired the project for several years in the early stage. The proposal changed throughout the years with upgrades added, which I believed only enhanced the proposal.
I am a lifelong resident of Riverhead. I think back to the time when the only organized activity for children in Riverhead was Little League baseball. I was 8 years old when I played for Bob Burns on the Lions (1955 or thereabouts). The town fathers back in those days were engaged in discussions about doing something for the youth in Riverhead. I can remember Judge Leonard and Judge Zaloga, during their terms as town supervisors, attempting to organize youth programs. (The time frame I speak of goes back before most of the current board members were born.) I also believe the YMCA attempted to bring youth programs to Riverhead, which were also unsuccessful. I can only ask myself why we are dragging our feet and not moving forward.
When I was elected to the school board, I promised that I would try to the best of my ability to keep children’s educational and social well-being first and foremost. I also vowed to be concerned with the financial impact any programs would have on our residents. With a yes vote, there would not have been a dime spent of taxpayer money.
I am disturbed, disappointed and ashamed of those board members that would not support this proposal.
James “Butch” Langhorn served as a trustee of the Riverhead Central School District for six years in the 1980s. He lives in Calverton.
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