Bee Editorial
Speaking up was successful in budget process
Oftentimes a municipality's board will vote immediately following a public

hearing. In those cases, the public hearing isn't serving its purpose but is a basic step in following the law. What someone says 10 minutes before the Town Board votes isn't changing a single member's minds. The board members come to that meeting ready to vote because the item is on the meeting's agenda.

With that being said, bravo to the Amherst Town Board for holding the public hearing on the budget two weeks before the vote because it proved beneficial for many residents and some departments. With that additional time the board members can decipher what they deem necessary for the town in 2007 and make the transfers and adjustments.

Knowing their valued services were in danger, residents came to the hearing armed with facts, statements and pleas from children to restore funding to lines that had been cut. Their voices were heard and their requests partially granted. Even when some had been warned a year ahead of time that there wouldn't be funding, they found a way to make the board understand that changes needed to be made.

Right or wrong, the cuts were made and the restorations approved for final adoption - proof that democracy can work.

There will be a library on Main Street in Williamsville, the Amherst Museum will be able to continue its programming, and three officers will join the police force thanks to the dedication of those representing the departments.

Something is to be said for convincing Supervisor Satish Mohan that his tentative budget was incorrect in places. A man who has been, at times, strongly set in his ways, was able to see what residents want for their tax dollars.

But is the Town Board being too liberal with giving back money to all who ask? Time will tell, as all resolutions to amend the 2007 budget were due today, and the final vote will be taken on Nov. 20. The bottom line may change due to restoration requests from departments.

The comptroller's office stated that information will not be available until the Town Board votes on submitted resolutions for changes.

We are in the final days before the budget vote, and the budget process was anything but perfect. Meetings between departments and the supervisor were held far too late, and announced cuts caused residents to scramble, looking for answers on what it all meant.

For 2008 we suggest discussing the budget a lot earlier than has been done in the past, with complete explanations of the reductions. Nobody wants to open the budget and see his or her job or services gone.