Wixson named deputy supervisor in last minute change
by JESSICA L. FINCH
Associate Editor

In a sudden switch from what had previously been announced, Roy Wixson was named deputy supervisor for 2007. Dr. Barry Weinstein withdrew his name during Tuesday's Amherst Town Board meeting.

Weinstein said the hours leading up to the 7 p.m. meeting involved conversations about the Town Board abolishing the deputy position. There was also talk about  naming Council Member Mike McGuire or Wixson as deputy.

In the end Mohan named Wixson, who officially accepted at the reorganizational meeting.
Weinstein said the issue had become very controversial so he chose to step down from consideration.  He was prepared to accept the appointment just a few hours earlier Tuesday afternoon and seemed assured the post would be his. 

The conversations about Weinstein being named started last week after Supervisor Satish Mohan e-mailed former deputy supervisor Deborah Bruch Bucki and Council Member Shelly Schratz informing them he would be selecting Weinstein as his deputy for 2007.

Weinstein told The Amherst Bee on Tuesday afternoon that he had accepted.
 
Mohan said the changes came just before the start of the meeting.  Mohan said having worked with Wixson the past year, he decided to name him.

Wixson is an attorney and sole practitioner at Wixson Law Office in Williamsville. From January to July 2006 he was an administrative assistant and confidential aide to Supervisor Mohan.

He is also a committeeman for the  Amherst Republican Committee and has experiencing serving on the town board in the Town of Napoli.