Alden government faces downsize

ALDEN, N.Y. (WIVB) - Three Buffalo suburbs are on the way to smaller government after voter approval of downsizing plans.

Some Alden lawns say "yes" and others "no" to cutting the council in half.

Downsizing supporter, Barb Trybuskiewicz said, "Just to reduce the taxes and have smaller government. It's just the thing. You have to start small. You have to go on a smaller level first."

If voters in this small community say yes, Alden will end up with two council members and a supervisor.

Tuesday's vote is the talk at the farmer's market.

Alden Chamber of Commerce, Nancy Hughes said, "Local government is the one area where you have direct representation and people have a say."

Downsizing advocate, Kevin Gaughan spent part of Saturday morning going door-to-door trying to gain support.

He believes taxpayers must look at the bigger picture.

He exclaimed, "The decision before Alden residents this Tuesday is very simple. It's do you want to continue losing tens of thousands of people, tens of thousands of jobs and most important, most of our young people? Or do you want to stop cursing the dark and light a candle for a better future?"

People in West Seneca, Evans and Orchard Park have already voted to trim government.

Some don't believe the savings will mean much for taxpayers.

Downsizing opponent, Norm Wachowiak said, "Maybe about $20 a year which equates to about a $1.66 a month or say 3 cents a day. Is 3 cents a day really that important to you?"