August 03, 2006

LETTER FROM CHAIRPERSON PUBLISHED IN GATES-CHILI POST

Dear Editor:

I am delighted that the Town Supervisor has adopted one of my 2005 suggestions to survey Gates residents as to their budget priorities. However given the NYS Comptroller’s serious criticisms of the Town in their Gates Town Audit and in their 2006 Budget Review letter, I recommend that all Gates residents add this comment to their survey “Please develop the 2007 budget in collaboration with the NYS Comptroller’s office and open all parts of the budget for public feedback”

To assist the public review of the entire 2006 Gates Town Budget, see our web site at www.gatesdemocrats.org which also has links to the NYS Comptroller’ Audit and 2006 Budget Review Letter and other Gates budgetary information.

Given the gravity of the financial reality affecting the Town of Gates, I wish the Town Supervisor had arranged for a neutral group such as the League of Women Voters to receive and tabulate the results. I am concerned that with surveys returned directly to the Supervisor’s office with the mailing labels intact that some surveys which contain feedback not acceptable to the Supervisor will not be considered.

Sincerely
Susan Swanton