Amherst Times

1.  Jim Hayes, NYS Assemblyman, has badly damaged himself by 10 years of doing nothing of substance for the people in this District.  He has enjoyed all the fruits of his office without giving back anything except the pits to his public.

Craig Bucki, who has been talking to the people in his district, has been challenging Hayes’ record of nothingness and will expose Hayes’ critically weak record of service to his citizens.  Hayes has been lucky to have big money backers up to now, to help him keep his seat at the citizens expense.   

I am fed up.

An angry citizen

2.  Mary Lou  Rath has class.  Jim Hayes should follow her lead and listen to the people’s sincere cry for a real political change.

Mary Lou Rath has done the right thing to resign. She will soon have the best of both worlds. The world of spending precious time being grandma to her grandchildren and the world of opening the door to a new voice in her political seat to express his or her new ideas.Assemblyman Jim Hayes has been in politics for over 25 years.  He should follow the lead of the gracious Mary Lou Rath and resign at the end of this term to give a new fresh face a chance to make a difference.        

EDITORIAL: The Public Must Demand Answers now. 

What is his pan to keep down the expenses for the budget years 2009 and 2010?

When Supervisor Mohan said he wants to hold expenses for 2009 and 2010 to the same level as the 2008 budget, he knew there were only 3 ways this could be done.

In 2009, the Town will need an extra $9,000,000 in revenue to meet our expenses due to the increase in health and employee’s benefits.  We will also need money for essential infrastructure projects to protect public health and safety.  We took 6.5 million out of the Fund Balance in 2008 to balance the 2008 budget.  This can’t be done in 2009 or 2010.

THE TOWN HAS 3 CHOICES TO MEET THE FINANCIAL NEEDS FOR THE 2009 BUDGET

A) The Town must increase fees and cut services drastically. 

 OR 

B)  We will have to increase our taxes by at least 9 to 11 % to balance the 2009 budget.

 OR 

C) The final choice the town has to meet the 2009 budges financial demands is to cut 40 town workers, mainly in the Engineering Department, as well as cut sectaries and staff.

If the Supervisor will disclose and explain his plan to hold down expenses in 2009 and 2010, I think the public and the Board would work to help achieve such a goal. 

There is too much secrecy in Town government.  Supervisor Mohan should step forward with a detailed public plan explaining HOW he will cut expenses.  Which alternative is he choosing?

After a brief illness John E. “Jack” Ward, of Amherst NY passed into new life on February 1, 2008.

Beloved husband of the late Rita H. Brenon Ward; dearest father of Daniel J., Dennis E. (Michele Iannello), Martha A. Ward and Maureen R. (William) O’Donnell; cherished grandfather of Ann Ward of Florida; brother of Joseph F. (Virginia), James P. and the late Elizabeth A. Ward, all of Great Valley, NY; also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the DENGLER & ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 2070 Eggert Rd., Amherst (between Niagara Falls Blvd. & N. Bailey), where the family will be present Sunday and Monday from 3-7 PM, where prayers will be offered Wednesday morning at 10:15 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Benedict’s Church, Main St. at Eggert Rd., Eggertsville at 11 AM (no calling hours on Tuesday).  Mr. Ward was a Principal in the Buffalo Public Schools and a decorated veteran of the US Army in WWII. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, memorials may be made to St. Bonaventure University-Class of 1942 Scholarship Fund, 3261 W. State Rd., St. Bonaventure, NY 14778. Online condolences to www.mem.com