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Recent discussion about the Town of North Dansville and Village of Village moving forward jointly looking at city status has raised questions about Livingston County’s role in the process. Does the county have to vote on the issue or not?
Actually, the answer to that question is a moot point. The County has a role due to the fact that any change of status here will impact it. As a courtesy and by virtue of its political relationship with the state, it is imperative that we include the County in the process. It would be foolish not to do so.
And that leads me to another point that has been a big question: the preemption by a city of the sales tax. A city may preempt, but it does not have to. And even if it opts to preempt, the particulars can be negotiated. That can be done ahead of time. It is not an all or nothing proposition.
As with any undertaking, success is predicated on cooperation between all parties. There will be roadblocks and issues, all of which will mandate a willingness for give and take. In other words, there will be a need for open-mindedness and compromise. I am an optimist.
It is important for everyone to understand that the city status process will not be easy and will take time. No city has been formed in this state since 1942. Many people have written off our effort as a waste of time, as fruitless. However, giving up before we give it a try is counter to everything I have ever been taught. That is not how this country was built. I cannot guarantee we will be successful, but I can guarantee we will fail if we do not try.
I realize as well as anyone that the idea of the Town and Village merging into a city is considered fanciful, if not ridiculous, by many citizens. Over the next couple of months, I plan to publish several articles on the matter. I also encourage people to read the CGR report that recommended we go in this direction. The report can be found by going to the Village’s website and clicking on the link. I ask everyone to be open-minded. It is easy to ridicule something, but building a better tomorrow for our community will require a positive attitude and a can-do spirit.
God bless and be safe out there.
Recent discussion about the Town of North Dansville and Village of Village moving forward jointly looking at city status has raised questions about Livingston County’s role in the process. Does the county have to vote on the issue or not?
Actually, the answer to that question is a moot point. The County has a role due to the fact that any change of status here will impact it. As a courtesy and by virtue of its political relationship with the state, it is imperative that we include the County in the process. It would be foolish not to do so.
And that leads me to another point that has been a big question: the preemption by a city of the sales tax. A city may preempt, but it does not have to. And even if it opts to preempt, the particulars can be negotiated. That can be done ahead of time. It is not an all or nothing proposition.
As with any undertaking, success is predicated on cooperation between all parties. There will be roadblocks and issues, all of which will mandate a willingness for give and take. In other words, there will be a need for open-mindedness and compromise. I am an optimist.
It is important for everyone to understand that the city status process will not be easy and will take time. No city has been formed in this state since 1942. Many people have written off our effort as a waste of time, as fruitless. However, giving up before we give it a try is counter to everything I have ever been taught. That is not how this country was built. I cannot guarantee we will be successful, but I can guarantee we will fail if we do not try.
I realize as well as anyone that the idea of the Town and Village merging into a city is considered fanciful, if not ridiculous, by many citizens. Over the next couple of months, I plan to publish several articles on the matter. I also encourage people to read the CGR report that recommended we go in this direction. The report can be found by going to the Village’s website and clicking on the link. I ask everyone to be open-minded. It is easy to ridicule something, but building a better tomorrow for our community will require a positive attitude and a can-do spirit.
God bless and be safe out there.
