When presented with measures I thought had merit, not only
for my district but for the whole of Allegany County, I have supported
them. I have also voiced my opposition
to measures that I felt were not in the best interest of you the Taxpayer. This
includes my opposition to our duplicating services offered essentially free to
us by the State of New York and the waste and mismanagement I have witnessed.
In a “get along, don’t make any waves, keep your mouth shut or lose your
committee assignment atmosphere” speaking up is not an easy chore.
I find it is absolutely necessary when discussion, facts,
truth and reason are met by deaf ears. In my opinion the bottom line is a
person serving in County Government needs to know what his or her job is. It is not to promote your business or other
self interests nor is it to secure some petty committee assignment. Job number one is to protect the Taxpayer. If
that includes questioning authority – then so be it! My personal “constitution”
will have it no other way.
With your support - my intention is to continue to stand up
and speak out for what is right. The
fight is not over! The fact is that our Sales Tax rate is too high. Property taxes are still too high. People are fed up and are leaving New York at
an alarming rate. Bragging that our finances have never been better while
businesses close, jobs leave and people struggle to pay their taxes is
shameful. Although we get bits and pieces of good news now and then more needs
to be done to turn things around. Allegany County and its Board of Legislators
must do its part!
To continue this fight I need your support on Election Day,
Tuesday, November 7th, 2017. Together we
can and will make a difference!
Respectfully submitted,
Karl Graves, District 4 Legislator
