In discussions of restructuring of local government (dissolution of Village) Town consolidation, one must recognize and be cognizant of New York States constitution and County organization. Many have called for a State constitutional convention to look at potential changes or modifications to NYS government, to determine if such would improve efficiency, while at the same time maintaining recognition of government home rule.
These forms of government, a hundred years ago, may of been the answer, now with the increased demands placed upon governments, shrinking tax revenues, and duplication of services the people must once again decide what form and structure of government they will entitle and bestow to carry out their public needs. Notice the emphasis on the people and their will, over the past one hundred years this has been lost.
Government and public service has taken on a life of its own, not with the primary purpose of serving and carrying out the will and desire of the people, but enacting policy of self-preservation and promotion. Many in the Federal level refer to this as the " Deep state". This condition is alive and well on State, county and local levels. Here in the Village we have a police department of 18 officers and crime and decay increasing.
Overtime costs in these and other departments have resulted in Constitutional tax limits. With all of the public needs of police fire, clean water etc., in my opinion there should be no incorporation of a village under 10,000 residents, or a tax base that can’t support the basic government amenities.
David Murray
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