Sheridan voters are being asked to consider downsizing the number of justices from two to one in the November general election. Though we back the idea, we do believe Chautauqua County is just dragging its feet when it comes to court consolidations.

As we have seen in the town of Hanover, a reduced system — now that the village of Silver Creek abolished its village court — has been working without issues for years.

In Sheridan, the town has been operating with one justice for the majority of the year with Lydia Romer, a Town Justice for nearly two decades, out on medical leave. Romer is not listed as an official candidate for the role if voters decide against its abolishment. If voters determine that a second Town Justice is necessary, the candidate with the highest number of votes will be elected to the role.

Current town Justice Jonathan Szumigala expressed to the Town Board he is capable of handling the duties himself if the second position is abolished. Eliminating one of the two positions would lead to a savings, but it’s not a large one.

Szumigala is more than capable, but the current system remains flawed. While each court entity — whether it be a town, village or city — looks at revenues, there are big expenses in terms of travel and hours for county staff and law enforcement to be at these venues.

We believe Sheridan can reduce its justices. We also believe we can do more to streamline the municipal maze of area courts.