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Paul S. Pinto
17 Lerczak Drive
Angola,
New York 14006
Home: 549-1262 Email:
paul_pinto@att.net Fax: 716-549-4743
April 17, 2004
Town Crier
48 North Main Street
Angola,
New York 14006
Att: Ron McPeek
Dear Mr. McPeek:
The April 14th edition of the Town Crier provided a
reprinted version of a letter from Mr. Calabrese. In a
succinct and honest manner, allow me to clarify the content of
this letter.
Erie
County affirmed earlier agreements to fund a financial
analysis for Angola and Evans. Mr. Calabrese made a notable
statement “the County is not in favor of dissolving
governments.” Precisely why I made every attempt to
streamline costs without the option of a village government
dissolution.
In April of 2003, residents supported a five-day petition
campaign resulting in a lower village spending budget. This
petition of two hundred and eighty six (286) signatories would
have returned greater numbers however, the elected officials
adopted the budget earlier than expected. In August, I
attended a workshop session with the village board to request
the following:
A financial analysis comparing the merging of services with
the Town of Evans.
A resolution to support a referendum on the merging of village
services with the Town.
If you would like a copy of the minutes from this meeting, I
am sure the village would provide you with this information.
During this workshop session, the village mayor refused to
accept the request or any portion thereof. The village board
denied a 14% general budget increase from April yet published
a story in the
Hamburg
Sun in support of the proposal.
Given the diverse demographics of our community, the increased
expenditures (insurance, contractual obligations) and revenue
reductions, the community needed a change. Since previous
efforts to gain the support of elected officials failed, the
only option that remained is government dissolution. In
speaking with Mr. Calabrese, he advised me to explore these
options initially, then to consider a village dissolution
vote.
As advertised in the Angola Pennysaver, Erie County once
again confirmed their offer to fund a financial analysis for
the village and town. As advertised, a village dissolution
effects one sector of Angola, the government. In exchange for
the elected officials stepping down from their posts, the
residents will not only receive tax relief but retain their
services and employees.
The village officials “elected by the people, for the people”
in serving their community can consider this option. As
elected officials challenge a vote for government dissolution,
they are supporting higher spending, inconceivable tax rates
and weakening the infrastructure of our D.P.W., Police and
Fire Protection services.
The 2004-2005 village budget is balanced by accessing
significant revenue reserves. This one-shot strategy will
exhaust village resources to inevitably dissolve itself. What
process will revive the fund balance or the reserves?
Is this a legitimate method of servicing your community?
Yours truly,
Paul S. Pinto
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