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| Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce |
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Chamber Corner for August 22nd  |
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MERGING GOVERNMENTS IS OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE COSTS AND REDUCE TAXES
By Todd Tranum, President/CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier
Albany did not pass a lot of meaningful reforms over the past year or so, but the one highlight was the passage of the Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act which became effective March 1, 2010. This reform has created an opportunity for residents throughout New York to take action to reduce the size of government, reduce costs, reduce spending and reduce taxes. As residents we must embrace these opportunities if we are to make our region more competitive for business growth, the creation of new jobs and opportunity for our children.
Village of Lakewood residents have an opportunity to improve our region and create the foundation for a strong future for their community on August 25th. The opportunity to vote for positive change is a rare opportunity to be able to take action to truly make a difference. It is our hope that more communities throughout Chautauqua County will make a similar effort to that in Lakewood and strive to reduce the multiple layers of government that burden property tax payers throughout Chautauqua County.
We have reviewed and analyzed the opportunity in the Village of Lakewood. Once you get under the numbers, they speak volumes to how effective merging government can be at lowering costs and reducing taxes. There are ten reasons why the residents of Lakewood should vote yes on August 25th.
1. Stop out of control spending. Spending by the Village of Lakewood has climbed 50% since 2000 reaching over $900 a person.
2. Stop tax increases. The Village tax levy has gone up 73% in the past ten years rising nearly 6% per year on average.
3. Reduce the size of government. The merger will reduce a layer of government, eliminating Lakewood's "double representation and taxation."
4. Continue services. Despite the rhetoric you have heard, your services remain unchanged, such as garbage and leaf pick-up.
5. Maintain a volunteer fire department. The Lakewood Volunteer Fire Company will continue to proudly serve your community.
6. Keep Lakewood safe. The same police officers will continue to serve and protect Lakewood families and homes.
7. Maintain roads. Roads will continue to be plowed and maintained by the same DPW workers.
8. Reduce taxes. The median Lakewood homeowner's combined Village/Town property tax will fall by 10-20%.
9. Build a Foundation for the Future of Lakewood. You will continue to live in a fine and beautiful community, Lakewood will always be Lakewood.
10. Improve government. Through a merger there will be competitive elections and a more effective government.
Village residents have a voice in this process. First of all they have an opportunity to vote on August 25th. A vote yes is the next step in a process that will force the Village Board to produce a dissolution plan. The plan will require public input. If the residents of Lakewood do not like the plan they can force a referendum to vote down the plan. If the voters approve, the merger goes forward if the voters disapprove, the village government continues on as is.
We urge all communities throughout Chautauqua County to take a look at the opportunities to reduce costs and lower taxes through mergers.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO?
Here’s what is going on this week. There will be concerts in Mayville and Dunkirk and there will be a farmer’s market in Jamestown, Fredonia and Westfield. For more details on these events, please visit chautauquachamber.org.
FEDERAL CONGRESSIONAL LUNCH – AUGUST 25TH
The Chautauqua County Chamber’s Federal Congressional Lunch will be held at Roberto’s At the Ironstone. The event begins at 12 p.m. Cost to attend is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. To register, visit chautauquachamber.org or call 716-366-6200 or 716-484-1101. This event is sponsored by Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Chautauqua Institution, Clever Method, Dunkirk Metal Products/Alternative Fuel Boilers, Lake Erie Regional Health System, NRG Dunkirk Power, OBSERVER, Star Media Group, The Post Journal, Time Warner Cable, UBS Financial Services and WCA Hospital.
CHAUTAUQUA LIGHT THE LAKES – SEPTEMBER 5TH
See one of the largest fireworks displays in North America on September 5th at the 3rd Annual Chautauqua Light the Lakes. Between the seven communities involved, in previous years, there were approximately 250,000 spectators total. Lodging income and room occupancy doubled at some hotels and attendance to local community events had an increase of a minimum of 60% and even reached to 100% in some areas. Fireworks begin at 9:31 p.m. Locations include, Bemus Point, Findley Lake, Lakewood, Mayville, Westfield/Barcelona and Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. Additional fireworks will be at Bemus Point, Stow Ferry, Overlook and Long Point. For more information on this event, please visit www.ilovenylakes.com. This event is sponsored by Bemus Bay Pops, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, County Of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Chautauqua County Planning & Development Funding, Cummins, Findley Lake Chamber of Commerce, Italian Fisherman, Media One Group, WICU 12 Erie PA, WGRZ - 2 On Your Side and WSEE.
ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT – SEPTEMBER 10TH
The Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament will be held at Chautauqua Golf Club, Hill Course. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start and four person scramble at 11:00 a.m. Cocktail hour starts at 5:00 p.m. with dinner and banquet following at 6:00 p.m. Cost to participate is $150 for Chamber Members and $175 for Non-Members. To register, visit chautauquachamber.org or call 716-366-6200 or 716-484-1101. This event is sponsored by CCIDA, Cliffstar, DFT/Netsync, Fredonia Place, Jamestown Mattress, Lakeshore Savings Bank, Lawley Tradition Agency, NRG Dunkirk Power, LLC, Petri Baking Products, Inc., Star Media Group, Strearns & Wheler GHD, The OBSERVER, The Post Journal, and Time Warner Cable.
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