Vandals strike home of local lawmaker

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Vandals armed with paint struck the home of a lawmaker in the southtowns, and police believe she was indeed a target.

West Seneca Town Board member Christina Bove has been opposed to downsizing the board from five to three from the beginning and now, she says, her views are making her the target of vandals.

Bove said, "We've lived here almost 25 years, never had a problem."

She never had a problem until now.

Bove's house was hit by vandals. She says it was definately not a random act, "The house was targeted. There is no coincidence."

She says it's because of a "no downsizing" sign.

She has been a harsh critic of the downsizing vote in West Seneca. The councilwoman stands to lose her seat if the vote goes through, but she says, that's NOT why she's opposed to it, "You have five voices, five sets of eyes, looking out for corruption. It should never be in the hands of two or three people."

And there's a vocal group supporting those same thoughts for the Town of West Seneca.

David Nagy said, "It's a $40 million dollar business. There's no business that runs with only three people in charge."

Cindy Petko said, "If the person that you elect is not effective, vote them out!"

Just as vocal are the supporters for the plan to cut the size of government. It's the idea started by regionalism advocate Kevin Gaughan.

Gaughan said, "The council members which are part-time positions, have health care, pension, retirement benefits, cost taxpayers here $44,000. That's $88,000 per year. That's a million dollars over a decade."

The Village of Lancaster and Depew have already downsized. The boards went from seven to five. The Erie County legislature is closer to downsizing from 15 to 11.