09/29/09: Alden Voters Weigh In on Local Government Downsizing Debate

Alden voters sounded off of the downsizing debate outside town hall.
“I think downsizing will be a terrific mistake for the Town of Alden. In fact I think it was a mistake for Orchard Park, Evans and West Seneca,” said anti-downsizing voter Nancy Hughes.
“I can get just as good a service out of four as I can two,” said downsizing supporter Ted Kempisty.
At times the voter line stretched outside the town hall. Voters are deciding whether to reduce the town board from five seats to three. This is a move that would also eliminate the salaries and health care benefits associated with the positions.
“I’m very happy with people we got in here. They’re running the community the way it should be run. And they’re watching our money. They are trying to coordinate with the mayor and the school district,” said Lloyd Reiner.
“The politicians that are in there have too many friends that they just keep using those guys. And you don’t have a whole lot to say,” said Ray Fisher.
There are about 8,500 people in the town. At least 5,000 are registered to vote in Alden. The town’s part-time board members make just over $10,000. But some residents say they are being over taxed.
“I’m paying too much now! I hope they are going to save me money,” said Ted Kempisty.
“We have the fifth highest local property taxes in America and that’s because we have more than 10 times the local politicians than any like size community in America,” said downsizing advocate Kevin Gaughan. He organized volunteers to canvass two thousand homes around Alden during the past three months. So far downsizing measures have passed in Orchard Park, West Seneca and Evans. Gaughan hopes the Alden downsizing vote will increase public involvement in local citizen committees.