Outsiders needed to improve Town Board
SATISH MOHAN Amherst Supervisor
My first year as your town supervisor has not been smooth and not very successful. My goals since day one have been to strive to provide the best municipal services at the lowest possible cost, eliminate nepotism in the recruitment of employees, reduce crime, promote smart development that will not lead to sinking foundations and a development plan that will focus on revitalizing the older neighborhoods that have stronger foundation soils, establish a fair assessment process, and establish co-op programs between the local businesses and the area colleges and universities to retain our young and the educated from leaving the area.

I have achieved limited success in my first year due to lack of support from a majority of the Town Board. The entrenched interests have tried to block my new path in order to maintain the status quo.

But, I am glued to my goals; as Benjamin Franklin said, "The secret of success is constancy to purpose."

The year 2006 had an unprecedented storm that left 80 percent of the town without power for several days. This, in turn, caused basement flooding and other damage to homes and infrastructure. Approximately 500 residents sought emergency shelter. To meet any future emergencies, we are developing an emergency preparedness plan.

This past year has seen some progress that should be mentioned. Two youth centers were opened, a rodent control program was started, term limits for elected officials and advisory committees were established, the Master Plan was adopted, Nature View Park was formed, a drainage plan was initiated, and a program to reform the assessment process was started.

Several steps have been proposed to improve personnel management. In 2006 we approved 32 commercial projects valued at $79 million and seven residential projects valued at $26 million.

We have been assessing our real estate at full value for the last six years. During the last year we have received some complaints from residents about inequities in assessed values; we want to examine them.

We also received complaints that our commercial properties are either undervalued or are growing at a very slow rate compared to our residential properties; we have to evaluate this.

This year we plan to embark on four tasks in the assessment area: (1) Update the real estate inventory. (2) Review

and correct assessments. (3) Inventory vacant buildings, and (4) Set up a fair assessment method.

There is certainly scope for more efficient delivery of services. To stay affordable and to effectuate a business-like operation of the town, we need Town Board members who have operated businesses and earned their living outside the government.

I ask such Amherstonians to come forward and run in this year's elections. The town badly needs you.