By Joyce Kryszak
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Amherst, NY – Amherst Town Councilman Barry Weinstein officially announced his bid for town supervisor Tuesday.
He enters the race now, formally, with the Republican endorsement. But the former Erie County legislator and Williamsville school board member decided to enter the race almost as soon as Satish Mohan announced he would not seek re-election.
Weinstein and others have been critical of Mohan's leadership. The current supervisor came under fire for failing to cut taxes and streamline town government as promised. Weinstein also promises to reduce the size of government and lower taxes if elected. But he said his experience in government makes him better prepared to deliver. And he knows right where he'd start.
"I'd put up a referendum to downsize the town board. That would be the first thing I would do," said Weinstein.
But he said there are other issues on his agenda. Weinstein said the town's zoning regulations need revamping to increase development and revitalize commercial areas. And he said there need to be creative solutions to ongoing problems such as the deer population, flooding and sinking homes. Weinstein said they also need to go back and revisit poorly written town codes that are costing taxpayers money in lost court battles.
Weinstein expects property assessments to be another issue in the campaign. He acknowledged that residents are upset about the recent re-evaluation. But he said the backlash is unavoidable.
For now, the 35 year-resident of Amherst is the lone candidate in the race. But there are some familiar names that have circulated as possible Democratic challengers. Among them, fellow board member Dan Ward and former member William Kindel.
But the biggest challenge might come from former congressional candidate Alice Kryszan if she decides to throw her hat into the race.
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