A recent vote on funding to assist Lakewood in a loan for stormwater implementation project was a step forward for some Chautauqua County legislators. In a 13-4 vote, dissension came from Legislator Lisa Vanstrom, R-Ellicott, regarding just how much the village would be paying as part of the $1.3 million project.

Fortunately, she was not alone.

Other legislators, including Mark Odell, R-Brocton, David Himelein, R-Findley Lake, and David Wilfong, R-Jamestown also voted against giving the Lakewood a $450,000 loan through the count with zero percent interest.

If any county legislators have questions on finances, it is alway better to vote “no” than just be part of a “yes” crowd. That is a stance for more accountability — and is appreciated.