As a resident of the city of Dunkirk and Chautauqua County, I see the pitfalls of mismanagement, a lack of personal pride in property – whether your own or someone else’s, a disregard for simply doing what needs to be done, a general lack of doing the right thing for one’s self, the community and the city.

I have spoken with many of the residents who tell me they have lived here all their lives and they know change is needed, but not in their back yard. Well, my response to those individuals is that if they continue to look the other way when it comes to progressive ideas and positive change, they and their perceived “turf” will become extinct, and this city and county will go the way of Detroit and other cities where bankruptcy has become the only answer. It is time to wake up!

When meeting with Mayor Athanasia Landis of Fredonia a couple of weeks ago, she said she wanted to see a Central Avenue that ran from Temple Street north to the Dunkirk City Pier; an avenue that didn’t show signs of deteriorating facades but one that was aesthetically inviting and showed prosperity. She envisions two contiguous municipalities where the residents as well as elected officials work together and share services. She envisions the village and city as economically sound and moving forward. Mayor Willie Rosas has stated his desire for the same thing.

In speaking with Mayor Rosas he tells me that not a day goes by when he is not in contact with the neighboring village, towns, the county leaders as well as those in the governor’s office. He is motivated toward seeing this city become economically viable, and downtown once again be a place where the residents come to enjoy the restaurants, shops and uniqueness of the city. Mayor Rosas, like Mayor Landis, has a vision for this city and he intends to see it come to fruition. He promised change, and he has been true to his word. He is taking steps to ensure that Dunkirk is a major player when it comes to exploring economic development opportunities, establishing a strategic plan for the city and sharing services and goals with Fredonia. These two mayors are definitely what this area has needed for some time. But more needs to be done.

Gov. Andrew Coumo has called for municipalities to find ways to share services and to even consider consolidation of smaller villages and towns. He has put forth a competition in his 2016 agenda to help facilitate these efforts. According to Coumo’s proposal, this will “challenge counties, cities, towns and villages to develop innovative consolidation action plans yielding significant and permanent property tax reductions.” There is a monetary incentive associated with this challenge, so it is worth consideration and possibly even participation. But this idea is not new.

In 2009, Coumo put forth the idea of a government and citizen empowerment act, which established procedures for the consolidation, and/or dissolution of local towns, villages, and various “districts” in New York state. County Executive Vince Horrigan has been promoting opportunities for regional programs and services since he was elected into office; the north county regional water district is an example of his efforts.

There is no way to defend the number of cities, villages, towns, hamlets and school districts in this county. Currently, there are two cities, 27 towns, 15 villages, 14 hamlets, and 48 school districts. Each of these entities has taxing powers, and yet the population continues to shrink. Everyone continues to hold fast to “his or her fiefdom” while convincing the taxpayer that to share, consolidate or dissolve cannot be done. However, if high-school sports programs can consolidate, then this argument doesn’t hold water.

Speaking of water, among other things, we have lakes! Chautauqua County has a great deal to offer – but we need to be smarter about how we go about it. Our two new mayors are working together. Our police chiefs are considering ways to share space. Our County IDA director Kevin Sanvidge is working to bring in more businesses, industry, as well as seeking opportunities that will make inroads into the tourist industry. Tourism is a business – and we need those tourist dollars.

We have sailing, wineries, ski country, fishing, arts, cultural programming, a state of the art University, historic places, and a soon to be WEB.com PGA golf tournament. If anyone thinks a golf tournament won’t help the area, they are mistaken. Having this tournament in our area will not only bring in millions of dollars in the way of hotels, restaurants, and the opportunity to showcase what we have to offer, but many of our local charities stand to benefit as well. But, there must be more. Tourists won’t come to an area where they see dilapidated housing, closed or boarded up storefronts, or streets filled with potholes.

It is time to take the state of our city, village, town and county for what it is and make a concerted effort to do something about saving it. We need to share, dissolve, and consolidate wherever possible – as painful as that might be. We need to each take a look around where we live and find ways to improve our immediate surroundings. We need to work with our elected officials, Mayor Rosas and Mayor Landis to ensure that their vision for our area does not fall by the wayside. We need to put ourselves in the place of the visitor and ask,”is this a place we want to live, work, raise our family, take a vacation?” If your answer is no, then why not, and what are you willing to do about it?

Chautauqua County has many opportunities ahead – we have good leaders in place – let’s take advantage of them.

Have a great day.

Vicki Westling is a Dunkirk resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com