Bee Better Bee

The Amherst Bee recently published an editorial which plopped most of the blame for the actions and behaviors of the Town Board that led to a 11.42% tax increase onto the families in Amherst NY. News for the Amherst Bee - you’re hands are not clean either.

Here is my response:

1) The Amherst Bee could’ve posted a written, searchable, and noticable/readable notice of the budget hearing, however they decided to post a unsearchable 2xinchx1inch jpeg photo instead (unlike every other year).

2) The Amherst Bee could’ve posted a special meeting (for the override public hearing) legal public notice on by Nov. 7th… but they didn’t.

3) The Amherst Bee could’ve posted articles about the budget release, more than 1 jpeg legal notice welcoming the community to the budget hearing on Oct. 30th, & more clear details to better the residents in Sept. or Oct.… but they didn’t.

4) The Amherst Bee could’ve posted articles about the potential tax hike or override in Sept. or Oct.… (as have done so in previous years)… but didn’t. Note: During the re-election year for Kulpa, Lavin, & Berger - the Amherst Bee ran many early articles and pieces about the budget since that year somehow the Board made sure the budget had a surplus & no tax increase… convenient right?

5) The Amherst Bee could’ve posted articles clearly depicting the spending and pieces of the budget and CIP in Sept. or Oct. leading up to the budget hearing Oct. 30th… but didn’t.

6) The Amherst Bee must’ve missed to note that Lavin has voted every time (3x in 6 years) to override the tax cap, that the board has proposed to override it 4x in 6 years, and never even mentioned the word ‘override’ until it was too late.

Amherst Bee, NOW you are calling for the community to be involved and to come to your paper for updates on the Town Board. Too late. The Amherst Budget Minder is here to stay and will provide the community with updates, notices, data, & more. For example, the next town board meeting will be 12/18/23 at Amherst Town Hall at 7pm. The community is welcome to come to voice their concerns, thoughts, and opinions to the board and hear the presentation of Lavin’s “transparency” proposal.

Before you buzz the community… Bee Better Bee.