West Seneca ...... Change ?

[MR E S 1]

With the coming of a new Supervisor and a possible new majority/control on the town board for West Seneca, I hope people aren't expecting much to change. You have to understand that most involved politically in this town are for the most part the same ones from past eras and regimes. Additionally, newcomers learn their ethics from those they align with or those they oppose. Nothing is more evident of this than the Clark/Walsh relationship of times past. Mr. Clarks' old cry of Mr. Walshs' "Bossism" ring quite hollow today. Ironically, it seems most appropraite to apply to Mr. Clark now considering his control of most things political, Democratic or Republican, for some time now in town.

I dare say that will continue after November.

All you need to do is see the supporters of the up and coming newcomers and candidates(s) in town to cast a wary eye. So many familiar faces. Longtime supporters of present and past town board members. Many of whom have either had a falling out of favor or got all they could out of said officials and now seek to re-invent themselves with the newcomers. The sad truth is these people have made fence jumping near artform. They sell the newcomer on their "plights" and "causes" and how they relate to the newcomers ideology as well, when in reality their aim is to convert the newcomer to do their bidding. It truly is an artform of the most self-serving kind. To their credit, they almost always manage to anticipate when to grab on to the next power to be early on, so their support seems sincere and in earnest. And what is the newcomer to do, turn away their support ? A truly pathetic cycle in West Seneca politics.

[MR E S 1]

Anyone remember this ? The Buffalo Evening News article showing Mr. Clark standing in front of the shops of West Seneca sign announcing the the developement that was going into the old Seneca mall site. It was to be a veritable calvacade of delights for West Senecans to enjoy. State of the art Sony movie theatre, Old Navy store and so much more, I'm sure a chain restaurant, which is much needed in this town was in the mix of that as well.
Geez, what happen ? K-Mart and Topps, sure is hard to find one of them in or near town. So much for the Seneca mall site.
What about the proposed multi-plex ice rink that was on the fast track on Clinton St. Thats a bit different story, yet with the same result. A "Concerns Citizens" group derailed that project. Not Mr. Clark. Their cry amongst others was that it would turn into another Pepsi Center like in Amherst, costing town tax payers millions. We'll never know. But from what I've read with regards to how the Pepsi Center is managed now, turning a profit and with youth hockey growing with the success of the Sabres and the need for ice time which has been in short supply for both private and public need in this town for years. I don't see how this facility was a totally bad idea. Additionally this "Concerned Citizens" group is opposed to Wal-Mart in West Seneca in an area that affects next to nobody.
The reason I point these issue out is that they all could have and should have been positives for West Seneca. On one side Mr. Clark was unable to deliver, on the other, a group of Concerned Citizens" who are avid supporters of Ms. Bove, meddling and obstructing in town developement. This group is quite full of themselves. I'm wary of their intents.

CHANGE ? HHMMMMM !!

[Psycho1]

It is refreshing to see I'm not the only one in WS who has become jaded.

In reading your posts, I understand the frustration with the "Concerned Citizens" opposition to some of the proposed development projects. I'm not sure that they were against the project, as much as the locations. It seems Mr. Clark likes to offer properties near the creek, without fully examining the environmental aspects to that site. With so much truly commercial property vacant in this Town, why destroy green space? Of course you will always have the NIMBY people, that, in some part is human nature. On the surface, it appears our Town Board does not consider site plans well. When Clark built the soccer park, the streets around it suddenly became flooded. The Seneca Mall site is prime for a hockey arena, and I would guess it might get done with private money, not public. Perhaps, it would spur other development around that area. WalMart on Mineral Springs? I'm sorry to disagree, but last time I checked there was on on Harlem Rd. at Walden. Why not the old Aimes store on Seneca? I hear it's STILL empty. I just think any new development needs to take place in a more logical manner. Don't just build because there's vacant land.
We must do things with specific intent, and not random thought.

[WNYresident]

Why would you want a chain anything in your town except for a grocery store...

Everything in WNY is a short driving distance anyway so a few minutes wouldn't be a stretch. I dont know about you but I think I would rather drive 10 extra minutes once in a awhile to go somewhere versus having the extra traffic and costs associated with the developement

[MR E S 1]

I agree that utilizing existing vacant properties should be a first consideration when considering business to developement in town. Wal-mart was supposedly interested originally in an existing vacated area in town. That was beaten down by the "Concerned Citizens" group. The Ridge Rd. area is ideal for developement with it's proximity to the thruway. Unfortunately, developement will affect somebody's quality of life almost everywhere you seek to go with it. Outside of the Ridge Rd. area and Southwestern Blvd., most areas in town are limited and cramped. Additionally, most developers, and I 'm not sure why, like to build everything new when starting out.
With regards to not allowing chain type developement, it's a fact of life with regards to developement. They're the ones who can afford to develope. These chains whether you think so or not, in most peoples opinion add to their quality of life. Usually, only those who live by prospective developement of these chains are the ones who resist them. I'm sure the people in Orchard Park and Hamburg overall love the developement on Milestrip Rd., all store and restaurant chains. The same with Lancaster and Cheektowaga residents with the new stores and restaurants on Transit Rd. I beg to differ with the comment of "rather drive the extra 10-15 min." Most people like their conveniences close by thus making them convenient.

And lets be honest about the "Concerned Citizens", though no I'm no admirer of the the present Supervisor, this groups original impetus was and is anti-Clark first and foremost.

[Psycho1]

And lets be honest about the "Concerned Citizens", though no I'm no admirer of the the present Supervisor, this groups original impetus was and is anti-Clark first and foremost.

You say anti Clark like it's a bad thing.

[MR E S 1]

I'm against a group that portrays itself as if it is the voice of the common man, and hides it's sole purpose. I predict after the November election if things go their way in town, the "Concerned Citizens" rhetoric fades away. Their concern is settling personal and political scores first and foremost. One of groups spokepersons benefitted greatly with their past support of Paul Clark. Now they oppose him. One of the more popular town residents utilized this group to thwart developement near their home where many feel is an ideal place for West Seneca to develope, the Ridge Rd. & Orchard Park Rd. area.

Is this good for West Seneca ?

[MR E S 1]

Let me restate that: "one of the more famous and wealthy town residents utilized this group to thwart developement near their home".

[Psycho1]

Let me restate that: "one of the more famous and wealthy town residents utilized this group to thwart developement near their home".

Understood. I agree, it seems as though everyone who claims to be looking for change, is only interested in making changes that benefit them.
I started the thread of what needs to change in WS, and I've come to the conclusion that what really needs to change is the entire political system in this Town. Getting ride of the "political families" is what we need.

[MR E S 1]

There are former Clark supporters now aligned with the only announced supervisor candidate. Though that candidate stated they believe in the two party system, I'm sure they would prefer to be unopposed. Does this seem familiar ? Time will tell. Will it ever end.

[Psycho1]

There are former Clark supporters now aligned with the only announced supervisor candidate. Though that candidate stated they believe in the two party system, I'm sure they would prefer to be unopposed. Does this seem familiar ? Time will tell. Will it ever end.

Let me ask you, do you think C.W. Bove is the champion of the people she professes to be, or just another hot air balloon trying to rise to power?

Maybe this is the subject of a whole new thread.

[MR E S 1]

Initially I was optimistic, I thought this was a true newcomer. I shouldn't have been so naive. I think you can tell a lot about someone by whom they choose to associate with. Many town political connivers and schemers seem to have her ear. She's, publicly at least, supporting Paul Clark for County Exec.. Political posturing ? Maybe, but you never know.

A champion of the people ? Tough call.

[DigitalPanacea]

If Clark leaves the county executive race early enough, he can stiill
run to keep his seat as Town Supervisor. It's in her best interest to
support him and keep him running for Executive as long as possible.

[Psycho1]

If Clark leaves the county executive race early enough, he can stiill
run to keep his seat as Town Supervisor. It's in her best interest to
support him and keep him running for Executive as long as possible.

That is just one scary thought. However, I think his ego is too big to pull out without a primary run. Unless Len Lenihan throws him some sort of bone in exchange for his money, he'll stay. Hell, he thought he could beat the Higgnis machine. Watching him at Town meetings you see how delusional he is.

[MR E S 1]

If may be so bold, Paul Clark will not supervisor after this year. Ms. Bove would beat him. He knows that.