38. re-think the DARE program

Reform, phase out or eliminate the DARE program – studies have shown it has little or no positive effect and can in fact have the opposite impact as intended. DARE undermines it’s own message by equating all drugs as equally bad, which does not match the reality experienced when DARE graduates become teenagers.

• “DARE Doesn’t Work, Study Finds”, NBC News
• “Just Say No Again: The Old Failures of New and Improved Anti-drug Education”, Reason.com
• “If DARE Doesn’t Work, Why Pay?”, The Patriot-News and LawOfficer.com
• “The Problem With DARE Is That It Doesn’t Work”, The Vancouver Sun
• “DARE-free Communities”

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79. make the Middle School green

Renovate the Middle School so that it is a LEEDS Platinum building.

• U.S. Green Building Council’s “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” Green Building Rating System
• LEED for Schools

81. educate about tenants’ rights

According to the 2000 Census, 70% of Village residents are renters.  The rampant abuse of tenants’ rights by landlords can be curtailed if tenants knew their rights.  Many tenants don’t know, for instance, that your landlord cannot enter your apartment without 24 hours written notice, or that security deposits on apartments in buildings with four or more units must be paid back with interest.  The Village should sponsor twice yearly “Know Your Rights” programs for tenants. The Attorney General’s office may offer such programs for free, and if not, work with either a local attorney or the Village attorney.

82. educate about domestic violence

Have twice yearly “Know Your Rights” programs for domestic abuse.  Jonathan Sennett, in his recent bid for District Attorney, pointed out that domestic violence accounts for a much larger share of Ulster County crime than resources are given to stopping it.  While many organizations are doing good work in helping put an end to domestic violence, having the Town and Village pitch in a bit to help disseminate information can’t hurt.

88. encourage more artists space

Give a density bonus to property owners to compensate them for reducing rent on artists’ studios and gallery spaces.

92. make it easier for locals to go to SUNY New Paltz

Give a tuition discount at SUNY New Paltz to new students who graduate from New Paltz High School.  Pretty self-explanatory.