Mohan changes mind on deputy position, does not choose a board member
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Roy Wixson

When Roy Wixson arrived at Amherst Town Hall on Jan. 2 to attend the Town Board meeting - as he always does - he had no idea he would be appointed deputy supervisor.

(See editorial on page four)

Wixson, who served six months as Supervisor Satish Mohan's administrative aide, was named to the position after Mohan's controversial move to appoint Erie County Legislator Dr. Barry Weinstein caused an uproar among members of the Town Board.

Residents also spoke out against the proposal to appoint Weinstein during the Jan. 2 meeting. Weinstein spoke as well and withdrew his name from consideration.

In the end, Wixson was named without any public fighting from the board. Council Member Mike McGuire said he was upset because just an hour before, Mohan had asked him to be deputy and McGuire accepted.

Although his new post is considered "insignificant" by Mohan, Wixson plans to be involved with town government.

"I would like to aim for a consensus on some problems facing the town," he said, adding that he had already sat in on a few meetings but declined to elaborate on the nature of the sessions.

He also plans to play a role as a negotiator, reaching a "win-win" solution for all sides involved - including government officials, residents and businesses.

Too much concern on "ownership" of a solution is a problem facing the town, Wixson said, adding that it should be about getting the right idea to benefit the residents.

"I will try and build a consensus so everybody will be working in the same direction," he said. "Mohan knows I am not a 'yes' man."

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 the supervisor.

He is also a committeeman for the Amherst Republican Committee and has served on the Town Board in the Town of Napoli. Having worked with Wixson during the first year as supervisor, Mohan said he based his decision on that experience.

Reports came in from several sources about the dealings taking place up to the minute before the 7 p.m. meeting. Weinstein said members of the Town Board were discussing the option of abolishing the deputy supervisor position.

Trying to avoid that, Mohan reportedly called Weinstein to explain the situation, which led to Weinstein's withdrawal.

According to McGuire, he thought he had the position until Mohan announced during the reorganizational meeting that Wixson was to be deputy supervisor.

"Members of the Town Board, Dr. Mohan, I humbly accept this position and you can all be sure of one thing, I will represent each of you and the town to the best of my ability and do the finest job I know how to do," Wixson said during the Jan. 2 meeting.

The Town Board also appointed an acting director for the Amherst Youth Board to replace the retired Joe Bachovchin.

Mark Johnston, who has worked for the town youth department since 1983, was named the acting director. He will continue to serve as assistant executive director of the youth department.

"We will try and keep our heads above water," Johnston said with a laugh. "And try and continue the tradition that (Bachovchin) led for the past 33 years."

He said he will lead the agency the best he can. The town will call for a civil service test for the director's position. Johnston said he is interested in pursuing the spot.

With several events planned in the next couple of months, the Youth Board will be busy continuing to provide services, he said.

In other Town Board news:

+ The North Amherst Recreational Center was renamed in honor of the late town supervisor Jack Sharpe for of his longtime service and dedication to duty.

+ The Amherst Bee was again named the official newspaper of the Town of Amherst.