When Kevin Gaughan announced that he would dissolve the Village of Williamsville, I asked the question, “What does that mean for me as a village resident?”

In conversations with my neighbors, I found few answers and more questions. Concerned that a vote might be forced on us, I formed a group of village residents to study the new law governing dissolution as well as the ramifications of dissolving the Village of Williamsville.

What I have learned so far is a petition signed by at least 10 percent of registered voters forces a vote on dissolving. Kevin Gaughan has said he will start circulating petitions in the Village of Williamsville soon after the law goes into effect on March 21, 2010. Residents should be aware that if you sign a petition by someone advocating, “smaller government,” “cutting politicians,” “lowering taxes,” or “reforming villages” you may be signing a petition to force a vote on dissolving.

If enough signatures are filed, a vote to dissolve will happen within two or three months. The vote will take place without a plan for dissolving. Residents will not know if taxes will increase or decrease; if services will be lost; who will take over assets such as the Water Mill, the Meeting House, Village Hall; who will run the fire department; how much Erie County Water Authority will charge to take over the water system; and who will care for the parks, fix the roads, plow the side walks and pick up leaves.

Our volunteer group of citizens are working diligently to answer the above questions and prepare a cost/benefit analysis. We will do our best to circulate factual information on the benefits and costs associated with keeping or dissolving the Village of Williamsville, so if a vote happens we are all well informed.
Christopher J. Duquin
North Ellicott Street
Williamsville