2 years ago
A date has been set and voters in West Seneca will decide next month if they want to downsize town government. The downsizing measure will not be on the ballot 15 days from now, instead a special election will be held later in the month.
"A special election will be held on November 17, 2008," said Vincent Graber, West Seneca Town Board Member.
It's now up to voters in West Seneca to decide how big or small they want their town board to be.
"This dramatically proves change does not come from government, change goes to government," said Regionalism Advocate Kevin Gaughan.
After the announcement, residents went up to the microphone, one by one and spoke out; some for the special election, some against.
"When four thousand people sign a petition, you should listen," one resident told the board.
"If you keep downsizing, maybe we could got to a dictatorship, I think a lot of people want that," another resident said sarcastically.
"This should have been in the general election, who's going to come vote two weeks later," a resident told the board." Look at the numbers. Come on, this is a joke."
Gaugahn spearheaded the collection of signatures to give voters the chance to vote on the town board's size. But he's not close to being done. He says the villages of Blasdell and Angola are next.
"I have a message for all the other towns and villages in Erie County," said Gaughan. "Hold on, we're coming."
The West Seneca Town Board is appealing a judge's decision that requires a special election be held. If that appeal is granted, a special election will be held in May instead of November.
So either way, voters in West Seneca will have their voices heard on this issue.
