It takes a Village… Or maybe not.

If you own a business, you likely know that running lean is the way to make money or more importantly it’s a clear path to saving it. Moreover, avoiding or reducing redundancy is a simple way to keep your eye on the bottom line.

Now let’s say your a small community, comprised of both a town and a village. While there may have been just reasoning for the two to co-exist in the past, our current economy demands a more streamlined system. That isn’t to say that the only option is dissolution. You can certainly explore and possibly implement shared services and see a cost savings almost immediately.

The problem is some residents become so concerned with “losing their local identity” that they refuse to even look at common sense cost saving opportunities. You’d think that sharing a zip code would mean you both understand your interests are aligned, but that’s rarely the case.

It’s not easy. Even consolidating simple services can often be a giant obstacle let alone dissolving an entire municipal entity. The important thing to remember is that our local communities are strong in the sense that we support each other. If a group of people see a need, like a Main Street program for example, they will get it done. So if your concerns are “losing your main street” or not having leaf pick up in the fall, perhaps these issues can be handled in a different way.

Pride is also in play. Being proud of your community is something we should all strive for wherever we live. However why should an invisible line that was drawn long before you were born dictate where you live? I consider “my community” a radius from where I live. Sure I vote and pay taxes in Macedon, but my mailing address is Walworth. For that matter I take interest and pride in many areas across Wayne and Monroe County. It’s where I live, work and raise my family.

This, of course, brings me to Lyons. The latest on a growing list of villages whose residents have started the discussion. This is the most important part. Starting the conversation and figuring out the best path forward.

If your concerns are perhaps the Police Department and other emergency services, then I understand and share your hesitation to move forward. But understand this – if you value your community as a whole, you’ll put petty bickering and politics aside for the greater good.

Both sides need to keep an open mind to the other’s ideas and concerns and find a real solution. This is America, it’s what we do…or at least what we like to say we do.

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