By JOE LOGAN (1/16/2010 11:47:35 AM)
Constantly asking for change in village, town, county, state, or national may be a self fulfilling prophecy as well as an overused anecdote for better days. It is also something people are probably sick and tired of hearing.
Having said that, if there was ever a time were the town was in need of change, it was now. And if the first meeting was any indication, change is what we will get.
This doesn't mean that the sun will shine every day; everyone will see a big tax cut, or all town and village officials will magically enjoy a symbiotic relationship, one that hasn't been seen since the twentieth century.
However we did see some signs that the new town board with Sue Friess and Jolene Jeffe in place. First, it is extremely clear that they will not be beholden to any special interest group, including the political parties or any other group interested in getting friendly with the board in hopes of persuading them to take their side on a particular issue. (Can you say open space?)
After going through her appointments as part of her new administration, it was great to see Jeffe make an addition to the format of the meetings by letting residents speak not only at the beginning of the meeting but also after the official business. This is something that residents have been asking for during the past several years. What better times to get input from the public than right after important issues have been discussed? Note that I used the phrase "get input". I believe our past Supervisor felt that the public comment session was just something that they had to put up with and rarely seemed to act on any of the comments that were put forth.
Jeffe campaigned on government efficiency, cutting spending, and transparency. Friess spoke about a fresh approach to decision making. Frankly I have my concerns about the challenges that the current board will have during the next few years and their ability to effectively deal with them. However right now it does seem as if they are building the framework which will enable the board to be well informed and to use the public as informed people who have the best interests of the town at heart.
One thing is for certain. Whether you supported these candidates or were against them, they will at times vote differently than how you would like. For some of you it will be more, for others less. Just remember that it is almost impossible to expect our elected leaders to vote the way we would every time. As long as they are not voting on a philosophy or special interest and treat each individual issue on its own merit they will do fine in my book.
While some may think that the appointment of Jeff Harris as Deputy Supervisor was a bad move considering how long he has been on the board and the board's history of secrecy, I believe it was a good move. Hopefully Harris will see that it is important to open up government to the people you represent. Although I disagree with just about everything he says in relation to Gleed, at least he seems to be an independent thinker and is honest.
High hopes for 2010 here at EastAurora.Org...
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