Alden voters choose yes to downsize

ALDEN, N.Y. (WIVB) - Local taxpayers have spoken once again, deciding to downsize their town government.

This heated issue brought out 40 percent of Alden's registered voters.

And in the end, just 32 votes made the difference.

1,052 for yes and 1,020 for no.

Alden will cut its town board from five seats to three.

Town Supervisor, Ron Smith is disappointed.

"You know the sun comes up tomorrow. We still have work to do, that doesn't change. Obviously the people of Alden were very mixed on the issue," he said.

Downsizing advocate, Kevin Gaughan can count four successive and historic victories.

He had campaigned hard in Alden, after winning the votes in West Seneca, Orchard Park and Evans.

"I think we're going to show the way to the rest of New York how citizens can stand up and say 35 years of economic decline is enough," Gaughan exclaimed.

The issue sparked debate right up until the last minute.

Ralph Witt from Alden stated, "Well couldn't we save school taxes by laying off half of the bus drivers? We could lay off half of the teachers, I might be able to shop cheaper at Tops if they will lay off half of their clerks but who will do the work?"

"I'm going to vote yes. We should downsize and save a little money," said Peter Draa.

Art Fisher disagreed saying, "Well I'm not going to vote to downsize because I think they're doing a good job."

The reduction to three board members in Alden won't take effect for about two more years, January of 2012.

The next community to vote on downsizing is Hamburg and that happens in November.