Officials in the town of Ellicott announced they are in favor of selling the Chautauqua County Home.
By unanimous vote, the board members approved the resolution last week. "We think it's time the financial burden of the County Home was taken off the backs of taxpayers," said Cecil Miller, Ellicott town supervisor.
What Miller did not discuss, however, was the financial burden his own town continues on taxpayers.
Ellicott, which is the town that surrounds Jamestown, has its own Police Department - a costly venture for any municipality - and is at least 20 miles away from the Home. Residents - and especially trustees - have nothing to lose by supporting this resolution.
In reality, it is not a local issue for them. If Ellicott board members are desperate to find an issue that affects them, why don't they talk about their police department and possibly consolidating with Jamestown or neighboring Lakewood-Busti. There's a controversial issue for the town - and it could ease some of its "financial burden" off the "backs of taxpayers."
But trustees - in Ellicott - calling on the sale of the County Home? They have no vote on the issue - just like the boards that oppose Thruway toll increases.
If local municipal boards are that serious about controlling costs, quit telling other entities of government how to save money. Look in the mirror and control your own costs.
