There were some well thought-out proposals in Fredonia Mayor Stephen Keefe’s final budget proposal for the village. His suggestion for saving $6,000 and giving the mayor voting rights, however, makes the most sense.

On Monday, Keefe suggested a $1,000 decrease in the mayor’s salary, in addition to the $5,000 reduction from eliminating one of the five trustee positions. “This action will make the mayor a voting member on the board and lead to a higher level of accountability for the mayor,” he said. “This is an example of a reduction in government, as well as a reduction in the cost of operations.”

Most village mayors – and town supervisors – vote.

As we have seen with the elections that are today, there is not an abundance of candidates for positions. Most are uncontested while one in the town of Panama will be won by a write-in candidate, if that person wants it.

Fredonia, which is cutting police protection, can undoubtedly get by with one less trustee.