By LINDA KELLETT

C-S-E News Staff

CANAJOHARIE — By a nearly 2 to 1 margin, Canajo-harie School District residents Tuesday rejected a special library-funding proposition in support of programs and services offered by the Canajoharie Library.

Charles Tallent, president of the library board of trustees, said the measure, which sought community-based funding in the annual amount of $100,000, was defeated 629 votes to 320, with 47 void votes recorded. Of the 31 absentee ballots submitted, 22 people voted against the funding measure, and nine voted in favor.

Tallent issued a statement on behalf of the library board and staff, saying, “The Canajoharie Library regrets the decision of the voters of the Canajoharie School District in not approving a public-funding option for the library. The Canajoharie Library will continue to try to provide the level of services that the community has come to expect, however there can be no promises.”

By around 4:45 p.m., 543 people had voted by paper ballot in what was described by Canajoharie School District Clerk Pat Van Heusen as a constant flow of people. A total of 965 people voted prior to the 9 p.m. close of polls.

When asked why paper ballots were used, Van Heusen said the use of paper ballots was easier than setting up the voting machines. The district determined what type of voting device would be used for the special election.

An informal survey of voters’ views on the measure yielded mix results, with many opting not to comment.

One senior citizen from Palatine Bridge, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I think we don’t really need it for such a little village. People don’t have the money for stuff like that.”

Former Canajoharie High School Principal Dr. Donald Bowden, who lives in Canajoharie, had a different view. He said, “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful cultural asset in our small town, and I’m proud to support it in any way I can.”

This was the second time that Canajoharie residents were asked to support such a referendum. An earlier proposition was defeated in the early 1990s.

Public libraries in neighboring Fort Plain and St. Johnsville have received local taxpayer support for several years, with St. Johnsville School District voters in May opting to double their support of the Margaret Reaney Memorial Library.