Downsizing Movement Crosses onto Grand Island BUFFALO (wned) - Citizen activist Kevin Gaughan and his team of volunteers have collected the requisite number of petition signatures to force a vote in Grand Island early this fall on reducing the current five member town board to three.

"Grand Island residents, rather than Grand Island politicians, will decide the size and cost of their local government," Gaughan said. "The town board has between 60 and 70 days to set the referendum date."

Despite nay sayers, despite some accusing him of grandstanding, Gaughan is continuing his relentless push to downsize all levels of government.

He believes, as many others believe, that if Buffalo -Niagara is to have any future, the cost of government has to be pared, in keeping with the region's hemorrhaging of population and good-paying jobs.

According to Gaughan, Grand Island is the 11th Erie County town or village which has successfully petitioned for a downsizing referendum.

Saying that he is "proud" to be associated with the movement, he credited "the historic and heroic work" of volunteers who have gone door-to-door seeking petition signatures.

Gaughan is hoping a downsizing vote on Grand Island government will be held in
late September.

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