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Making regionalism pay off

Chautauqua County’s attempt to win $20 million from New York state for its efficiency efforts is a big deal. Considering just how much money it costs to operate the city of Dunkirk each year — about $23 million — there is a realization this application is not small potatoes.

This newspaper, even going back to the 1970s and ’80s, has been a major advocate for regionalism and consolidation. Longtime OBSERVER readers will no doubt remember the name of reporter Bill Dill. He wrote an extensive piece on the benefits and the power of being one — not just a bunch of divided, separate entities.

A June 7 meeting in Mayville, right, reflected just that. In the competitive application for the $20 million grant, 13 projects were discussed as part of the Municipal Consolidation and Government Efficiency effort.

The good news? Many elected officials are on board. Even better news? Chautauqua County is one of six that are competing for the funds.

“(Chautauqua County) is not new to this idea,” said Kent Gardner, Center for Governmental Research chief economist, who attended the meeting. “Working collaboratively isn’t a foreign concept. We want to point out to the state that it’s a hotbed of collaboration and cooperation and that you’ll continue to do what you can.”

There has been substantial progress in municipalities working together in recent years. The north county water district is one example. The county Sheriff’s Department’s oversight of the village of Silver Creek is another.

More projects will likely take off with a needed incentive: money.

Unfortunately, there has been some negativity toward the consolidation and dissolution efforts. Most of that is just noise coming from the CSEA county union.

One member claimed, in a May County Legislature meeting, taxes are not lowered enough and services are lost. Don’t tell that to the former Wayne County villages of Lyons and Macedon, which reported 60 and 73 percent lower tax rates after the dissolution.

Besides, the CSEA has consistently supported Gov. Andrew Cuomo in his recent elections. Cuomo has made no secret that less government is one of his key initiatives.

Get with the program, CSEA. This is who you endorsed.

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