There are not many residents who will tell you the current village government set-up is working well in Fredonia. Heck, even current Mayor Stephen Keefe will admit some flaws, which is part of the reason he is not seeking re-election.

Keefe’s big beef, which he has stated more than once on WDOE radio, is he has no vote as mayor. He can make proposals and be the face of the village, but when it comes right down to it he has little or no power.

Five trustees, all with votes, make the decisions.

So with Keefe leaving at the end of 2015, now may be the time to change the system. The village, which already has an administrator, could eliminate a trustee position and keep four trustees and allow the mayor a vote. This would provide the mayor with some accountability.

But the only thing to stop such a proposal would be a ridiculous excuse that it goes against tradition.

Fredonia, traditionally in years past, had been looked upon throughout Western New York as a village that was well run and was filled with plenty of pride. Those days, especially through recent village decisions, are long gone.