A night for opinions

For years, residents have complained about the way our system is run. They complain about federal decisions. They complain about state decisions. They even complain about local decisions.

On Thursday, Feb. 5, we are not looking for complaints, but we are looking to hear the community's opinions on the directions our local municipal governments continue to move toward. Despite shaky economic conditions for businesses, residents and non-profit organizations, too many of our governments continue to run as though everything is fine and dandy.

It is not. For a county of 133,000 people, we have far too much government. All told -- including school districts -- we have 64 layers. That's 18 school districts, 43 towns and villages, two cities and one county. That's one taxing entity for for 2,180 residents.

Yikes.

Overall, we really do not know what to expect. Admission is free to the Fredonia Opera House forum and the doors open at 6:15 p.m. But how many will turn out? How many care?

Caring may be part of the problem.