WNED-AM 970 NEWS
(2009-09-23)
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The vote follows last week's release of policy brief prepared by the University at Buffalo's Regional Institute which concluded the savings from cutting board seats is negligible.
"Unfortunately, the Institute didn't do its research," said downsizing advocate Kevin Gaughan.
>Click here to examine the policy brief Sizing Up Local Legislatures
"Right now, Orchard Park taxpayers owe $2.3 million dollars to the 27 former Orchard Park councilmembers who have been receiving lifetime benefits. That's called legacy costs and that's what's destroying the state of New York and each of our town's and village governments," said Gaughan.
Gaughan believes that reducing the size of town and village boards would also "reduce the decibel level of this turf protection" seen throughout local politics.
Some observers say "turf protection" is on display in today's Orcahrd Park vote.
The Town Board limited the downsizing vote to just one polling place, Orchard Park Town Hall, opened between 11am and 9pm.
UB Researchers also say there's a greater chance for corruption with fewer people in charge.
Gaughan says if that were true there would be no corruption in Albany and Washington where there are hundreds of politicians.
Kate Foster, Director of UB's Regional Institute, co-authored the policy brief "Sizing Up Local Legislatures." She discussed the brief with WNED News.
Click the play button above to hear that conversation. © Copyright 2009, wned
