That is the only way to describe tonight's budget vote. When I arrived at Caroline G. Atkinson school, it was 9:00 sharp and the doors had closed to new voters. As late as 9:10, rumors circulated that there were still lines out of the door at Columbus Avenue School. The incredible number circulating, 5,000, swam through one's head as one considered just how many voters that figure actually amounted to.
Freeport High School Principal Ernest Kight had an explanation as to why so many people came out for the vote. "The Mayor got involved in the process. Its never happened before," he stated calmly. When the first numbers hit the projector, however, the budget's future looked secure in ways that the incumbents, Debra McQuillan and Michael Pomerico, did not: All three challengers had gained more votes from the Freeport Family Community Center than the incumbents.
As the night progressed, however, more schools were added to the list, and ultimately the incumbents struck back like this was the second Star Wars film. The final votes were as follows:
Proposition One - Freeport Union Free School District Budget
- 2847 votes in favor.
- 1460 votes against.
Proposition Two - Freeport Memorial Library Budget
- 2701 votes in favor.
- 1314 votes against.
On the passing of the budget, Trustee Ron Ellerbe declared jubilantly of residents that "They got it right!" But the most shocking figures were yet to come, as the final schools trickled in to reveal the outcome of the school board vote:
* Michael Pomerico: 3240 votes.
* Debra McQuillan: 3240 votes.
Fidel Abreu: 674 votes.
Thelma P. Lambert Watkins: 769
Sandra Richardson: 907
Other: 1
*: Incumbent
Bold: Winner
While this was anything but a dull race, the outcome was an impressive show of force from the community: 8831 total votes were recorded in the school board race, with each person being allowed two votes. This adds up to a staggering 4415.5 voters. As the incumbents were congratulated, Mrs. McQuillan offered me a simple, powerful observation on the community's show of support, the approval of the budget and even the tie she found herself in with Mr. Pomerico: "Very cool."
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