O.P. Downsizing Vote Passes; Alden Next Up

Residents in Orchard Park voted Wednesday to downsize their town board from five members to three.

There were 2,034 votes in favor of downsizing; 1,063 against.

"We're now 3-0", said Kevin Gaughan, the downsizing advocate who introduced the downsizing ideas to many residents.

"This is not the level of government that has failed people, we have been conservative, responsible, on time and delivered services," said Orchard Park Town Board Member Nan Ackerman.

Just after polls opened at 11 a.m., the line down to the Town's singular polling place stretched up the stairs and out the door.

Citizen activist Kevin Gaughan, who spearheaded this and many other local downsizing movements, was outside shaking hands and greeting voters as they walked in.

"This movement is not anti-government. It's anti-economic decline," said Gaughan.

Many of the residents who spoke to 2 on Your Side as they were exiting the polls were in favor of the downsizing, believing it will "save money in the long run" and "help reduce voting stalemates."

Nan Ackerman, a board member, does not favor downsizing. "I think its sad I think it's misguided," said Ackerman.

The Town Board will consist of a supervisor and two councilmembers starting Jan. 1, 2012.

The next community to vote on the issue is Alden. resident will vote on the proposal to reduce the town board by two members on Tuesday, September 29th.

Two On Your Side has a crew in Alden to see how people and politicians in the community feel about the issue. We will have a report on Thursday's Channel Two News First at Five.