Oliver deserves seat on Avoca board

To the Editor,

Todd Oliver is the person for the people. He shows community support for the Town of Avoca, her future and the budget issues. He was chosen by the Republican Party in February 2008 to fill the vacant seat because he has the most qualifications. Now he is ready to run on the Independent Ticket on November 4 for Town Board Trustee.

Community support is key to the gowth of Avoca- Budget concerns are number one priority to most taxpayers. However, Todd knows there are many elements that are factored into being a good leader and a Town Board Trustee.

The Town of Avoca is an average American small town, with more potential than some of her residents have given her credit for lately. Avoca has remained a farming community, which is the heart of its historic foundation.

People who have resided here their entire life will tell you that the population is virtually unchanged since their childhood days. That is a good thing to a certain degree. When a town does not experience growth, the burdens of the budget lie heavily on the taxpayers pockets.

We can understand the need for most expenses. Moreover, we can understand the need for a low steady pace of increase. The unfortunate facts are we had several years with no tax increase, no growth and it hit us. Consequently this type of governing leads to an enomrous tax hike. Everyone has asked "what did you do" and "how can you make cuts to bring the tax rate back down"? My question also is: "can you make responsible cuts with out hurting the few areas of growth that Avoca tax paying volunteers have worked very hard for?"

Furthermore, we need to ask ourselves:

1. "Who will we elect to represent us with open, responsible and honest leadership qualities?

2. Who will actively seek input from the "majority of the public" before cutting funds to our library, Historical Society, the judicial system, highway department, or any other line item in the budget?

3. Who will have a proactive over a reactive approach to the budget and all areas of future growth?

4. Who understands the value of public participation in determining our communnity's future?

5. Who's ballot box will you marK in November?

Your vote is your voice for honest and responsible governing and I believe Todd Oliver is the best person to fill this seat.
Marcia L. Rowe-Smalt
Avoca