County legislators should lead effort to streamline local government
Editor:
On. Dec. 11, Mr. Hartway wrote that Orleans citizens should push back on Albany mandates that strain local wallets. He is correct in saying taxes are high and a severe strain on families. But is his solution, that of initiating a confrontation with Albany, the best way forward?
I suggest not banging heads with the state government, but look locally to save money. Consolidate the 10 towns in Orleans County into the county government.
Why are Orleans taxpayers paying for 10 courts, 10 tax districts, 10 code enforcers, 10 highway departments, multiple sewer districts, 10 groups of supervisors, 10 fire departments, 10 office complexes when other counties in the state have consolidated into one government and saved their citizens millions?
In a small way consolidation has already begun: Albion and Gaines have created a joint fire district.
The County Legislature should move to consolidate all ten towns now, not later.
Jack Capurso, member of Albion High School Class of 1960
Ashburn, Va.
