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Will Depew Village election reflect spirit and scope of county taxpayer revolt
By Lee Chowaniec
Feb 24, 2005, 22:35

Will Erie County resident ire be solely directed at the county budget crisis, or will their cry for reform and ousting of incumbents spill into municipalities within the county? The approaching Village of Depew Board election, March 15th, will be such sounding board.

Residents of Depew will be considering a scenario similar to the county, regarding reserve revenue squandering, significantly increased taxes, patronage jobs and special interest influence.

Endorsed candidates from the Action Party and the Progressive Party will be vying for three Trustee positions. Currently the Board has one sitting Progressive Party member and prior to 2003, had none going back to the early 90’s.

Residents who religiously attend and actively participate in Depew Board meetings attest to the following:

* In the past two years, the Action party raised property taxes over 25 percent.

* Former Progressive Party Mayor Mike Rusinek left Depew with $4.2 million dollars in reserves.

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