Town Board crumbles under pressure
Bee Editorial
The Town of Amherst's last meeting of 2007 was no better than the first. As is the case when it comes to voting on major issues, the board falls apart - sometimes even for minor issues, but that is, well, another issue.

Monday's vote on whether to allow People Inc. to purchase the Mennonite Meeting House was such a mess that representatives said they couldn't comment following the vote because they really didn't know what they had just witnessed.

Board members whispering, others shouting, just mass confusion on the dais.

When the clerk questions what was just voted on, you might get seven different answers. The board wastes a lot of time making petty comments and exhaustive opinions but fails to take the time to get a proper resolution on the screen, read aloud by the clerk. And if there is an amendment - forget about any order. You might as well be listening in a foreign language because no one seems to know what the amendment is, if it was voted on and if the final vote was taken.

With the slightest sign of disagreement - or when it comes time to make a big decision - the stress level elevates and the board crumbles. They don't come together as a foundation for the town; some think they can do it alone.

At this time, we don't know how the new board members will act, but we have seen the four remaining in action, and no three people can change that. A lot of residents think the change comes with three new people, but they don't account for even half of the problem.

Deputy Supervisor Roy Wixon's term will end Dec. 31, and it's expected the position will return to a current board member. Supervisor Satish Mohan indicated in a letter that Council Member Shelly Schratz asked to be appointed, and he said he will take such action. Schratz said she will accept it if asked. Both have two years remaining on their terms, what could be considered a short time to make the major changes needed.

We hope the leadership change is respected and effective - another year doesn't need to be wasted debating the procedure of appointing the deputy. Major votes are certainly going to come before the board in 2008 - first being the request for rezoning a section of Maple Road for the proposed Town Centre. Board members need to keep their comments relevant and do their research. When disagreements occur, remain calm, work on it and call for the vote in a timely manner. You can't expect 7-0 votes often with this board, so cut off the soapbox speeches. There is little chance of changing each other's minds.