Taxpayers say yes to downsizing

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's been the center of debate for months. And Wednesday, taxpayers in Evans and West Seneca got the final say in the fight over downsizing their town governments.

Unofficial results are in and regionalism advocate Kevin Gaughan is claiming victory.

West Seneca and Evans will be downsizing their town boards from 5 to 3 members.

When the seats run out later this year, they just won't be refilled.

It was a special election in both communities and civic leader Kevin Gaughan fought to have the referendum vote. He says it will save taxpayers money.

Critics say that it only leads to 3 people making decisions for thousands of people and it's a bad idea.

Voter turnout was high in both communities and Elections Commissioner Ralph Mohr says that they were expecting 30 percent, but it could be much higher.

Unofficial Results as of June 3, 2009:

Evans: Yes 2222; No 1326

West Seneca: Yes 6245; No 4252

Click here for results from the Erie County website.