N.Y. citizens can take lead on consolidation
Citizens gain opportunity to lead consolidation effort.
Fans of leaner but more efficient government have two reasons to cheer.
Last week, Gov. David Pat-erson signed into law a bill that makes it easier to consolidate or dissolve local governments.
Just a few days later, the city of Rochester completed the merger of three departments into a new Department of Neighborhood and Business Development. What’s significant is the new department is operating on a budget of $1.2 million less than the combined budgets of the former agencies.
This is the kind of action of which citizens want and need to see more. Mayor Robert Duffy and his staff are to be commended for the move, which Duffy says brings together employees who can effect positive change for both commercial areas and neighborhoods. Citizens should demand that the city continue on this path and that other local governments across the region follow suit.
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, to his credit, wrote and promoted the consolidation legislation, which maps out a process for local governments and special districts to consolidate. In Monroe County alone, there are 624 government entities.
Of significance is that the overdue law establishes processes — one for voters and one for officials — to follow to initiate these actions. A comprehensive guide can be found at www.reformnygov.com.
Elected leaders and citizens need to realize that the current economic turmoil calls for change. In Seneca Falls, Seneca County, taxpayers could save $975 a year if the village dissolved, according to one study.
There’s a lot that’s dysfunctional today in state government, but at least legislators saw the light on this issue.
Voters should take advantage of this new power that they’ve been given. It’s one promising solution to lowering property taxes.
