Downsizing debate divides taxpayers

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Things got a bit heated at Wednesday night's town hall meeting in West Seneca, where a debate over downsizing continues to divide taxpayers.

Some of the demonstrators have lived in West Seneca their entire lives. They're willing to pack their bags and move, if the proposal to downsize the town board from five to three members passes on June 3rd.

Rosanne said, "If this passes, I would seriously consider moving. I would because I know that our house values are gonna go down. West Seneca's not gonna be the West Seneca I grew up in."

She and others say it's not practical to expect three board members to manage a town of

46,000 people with a $41 million dollar budget.

John Blando said, "My business is in West Seneca. My house is here. If this goes through, I can't say that's gonna be the case."

Kevin Gaughan is pushing the fight to downsize governments around the state. He says the move will save taxpayers money. The majority of town board members scheduled the Wednesday night meeting to announce the location and time of the referendum.

Gaughan says they could have done it at their board meeting last week, "I think it was regrettable and it's been like pulling teeth."

Town board member Vincent Graber said, "He has put a spin on everything that we have done."

Both sides remain passionate about their views on the issue.

Chuck Zernentsch said, "We don't need more politicians. We need less and we need them to focus on what's important."

Al Petko said, "The town board pretty much has been dysfunctional since the beginning of the year."

But those against the proposal say a smaller board could mean higher interest rates and fewer services among other things. Critics don't think the savings is worth the risk.

The town supervisor disagrees.

Town Supervisor Wally Piotrowski said, "Every dollar savings is important to the residents who are overtaxed."

The referendum on June 3rd will take place at four fire halls and a church. We're told residents in West Seneca should be notified within the next few weeks.