HTN: Downsizing Passes in West Seneca, Evans

Local governing boards in Evans and West Seneca are getting smaller. Voters in those two towns have overwhelmingly approved measures to reduce their town boards from five members to three. Supporters say the move will save taxpayers a considerable amount of money. Opponents say it concentrates power in the hands of just a few residents. Similar measures are on the November ballot in Orchard Park, Hamburg and Alden.

Village Mayors Meet to Fight Downsizing

Village mayors around Western New York are beginning to make their voices heard about regional consolidation. The Mayors of 12 villages met yesterday at Blasdell Village Hall, where they heard from Peter Baynes, Executive Director of the New York State Conference of Mayors. The mayors claimed that villages add minimal cost to taxpayers and offer more than their share of services. Local lawyer and activist Kevin Gaughan has suggested eliminating villages as he continues to advocate the cutback of local governments.

Local Governments Prepare for State Cuts

David Paterson has laid out options for the Legislature to cut spending. Now it's local government's turn to respond, as counties, cities, and town around Western New York get ready to do more with less. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown expressed his concern. State cuts could cost Buffalo up to ten-million dollars in funding. The Erie County Control Board, other regional governments, and not-for-profit organizations have all expressed the need to plan now for the state cuts that appear to be coming. County Budget Director Greg gach says that county taxes may have to make up the difference in funding for state-mandated programs.

Downsizing on the Move in WNY

Downsizing of local government is the hot topic across Western New York. In Amherst, a proposal to reduce the size of the Town Board was defeated 7 to 5. In the Village of Lancaster, a similar measure passed the Board of Trustees. Lancaster Mayor Mark Cansdale says the process is moving along. Kevin Gaughan, whose work has inspired the efforts of several local governments, spoke with Donahue and Moore this morning on WECK. Meanwhile, Sabres Owner Tom Golisano appeared in West Seneca today. His new political action committee is supporting a measure to downsize the town board there from five members to three.

State Commission Recommends Shared Services

A state commission report will recommend more than 70 ways to save money by merging towns, villages and schools in Erie County. County Executive Chris Collins supports the report, saying there is too much government. Collins uses the Rochester area as an example of savings for shared services. All Monroe County snow plowing is done by towns, since the county doesn't have a highway department.