There are so many issues blowing up in the face of village leaders that when a diversion can be found, some members cannot wait to point fingers.
Last week village Mayor Kurt Lindstrom was quick to assign blame again. This time, the righteous mayor was publicly criticizing the village police chief in regard to an item that the board will be voting on - for a third time - in regard to a purchase of a police vehicle and its question of cost.
"This has been a complete waste of the past month now we have to review them all over again ... I'm tired of this board being taken across that line," Lindstrom proclaimed. "This whole thing has become a political issue. ... I did not make a political issue out of this. I was trying to find consensus in the board so we could make the best decision for the residents."
Nice speech, if not for the recent comptroller's report that thoroughly reveals the village - by paying $725,000 for a questionable site, which is twice the market value of the property - rarely makes the "best decision for the residents."
Even of greater comedy was the big-spending mayor saying he is trying to control costs in the purchase of the police car. "We are dealing with a 2 percent tax cap," he said. "The more I trade up the more I have to count against the tax cap."
When have costs ever been a priority to the village, which is the highest taxed entity in Chautauqua County?
Obviously, the board needs to resolve the police car issue, but quit questioning the character of the police chief or making this a huge deal.
A state report about waste and questionable decisions regarding the DPW facility is on the table and will not magically disappear. Village residents want answers - not a gag issued by the lecturing mayor - on possibly being stuck with picking up the tab on a seven-figure purchase.
