Civic leader hopes to make history

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) - History could be made once again if another local community decides to down size its government.

His name is Kevin Gaughan.

“We'll change our future and we'll make history. I hope so,” said Gaughan.

And you're likely to see him coming to a neighborhood near you.

On Tuesday night, he was in Orchard Park, trying to convince voters to reduce the size of town government.

“I can't find a town outside of New York State that, in many instances is ten times the size of Orchard Park, that's governed by more than three people,” he said.

With successes under his belt in West Seneca and Evans, Gaughan is now hoping Orchard Park voters will say yes to reducing the town board from five to three by eliminating two council seats.

If the referendum passes, it'll take effect in January 2012.

Orchard Park Supervisor, Mary Travers Murphy urged people tom “Vote, vote and vote. No matter where you stand on the issue.”

Murphy’s position is this: whatever the voters decide.

Critics charge that representation would be diminished and actual cost savings would be minimal.

Plus there's concern that the power would rest in the hands of a just a few.

“That's why I think it's so crucial that the component of the tax payer paying attention needs to be in the mix if the downsizing goes through,” she said.

The vote on downsizing will take place Wednesday.

There will be one polling place, at the Municipal building in Orchard Park.

Voting starts at 11 a.m. and will continue through 9 p.m.

A downsizing vote is set for Alden and then onto Hamburg in November.