As summer winds down, and thoughts of school and fall emerge, I will share with you some of the many accomplishments over the past year by a number of Town employees. While everyone will not agree on what should be done for the Town or how, we all must note that we have an [...]

On Saturday, July 3, 2010, and Sunday, July 11, 2010, at our Main Town Park, I enjoyed Day in the Park and helped open the 52nd annual Clarence Concert Association’s Summer Concert Series, respectively. Both events are run by nonprofits in the Town of Clarence and receive assistance from the Town.

In August 2008, I [...]

Satisfaction Survey Follow-Up
We still encourage and respond to comments regarding the Townwide Satisfaction Survey. One comment was from someone out of Town who wanted to visit. The person wrote, “I got a sense from the material on your website that your town was constantly looking for ways to improve . . . . [...]

Rather than focus on a single, larger issue, this column will address some of the topics that I have been recently handling. Some of the items are familiar ones.
Brush
After much discussion, we will no longer pick up brush during the peak road maintenance season to allow for focus on road maintenance. Brush will [...]

A local television anchor recently referred favorably to Clarence as a Town that prides itself for being family friendly and generous. Our Town brand mentions our “Caring Faces”. However, recent events highlight depression, substance abuse, and suicide. There is hope, but it is up to each of us to help.
The following disturbing statistics were recently [...]

For many years, Clarence residents and other stakeholders have talked about what could be done to improve the Clarence Hollow area — to improve housing, attract new businesses, and promote our rich rural and historic character. On Friday, March 12, 2010, property owners, from 10465 to 10894 Main Street in Clarence Hollow, met with representatives [...]

I first wrote about attending a Master Plan 2015 annual update public hearing for the first one held on March 20, 2002. I encouraged people to provide input regarding land use in the Town of Clarence. I again ask people to provide input as our annual review will be conducted at a public hearing on [...]

Our Town’s state is strong. Our Citizen Satisfaction Survey consultant said the 93 percent level of citizen satisfaction with the Town of Clarence government is the highest he has experienced in either public or private sector. Our schools, quality of life, and parks are highly regarded. Citizens are heavily involved and invested in the Town [...]

In my November column, I wrote about civility and how we must hear, learn, teach, and change. To do any of this, we must engage others of all beliefs and ages. In particular, we must engage our youth and lay the foundation for our future. Recently, I have been fortunate enough to speak with Richard [...]

Now that election season is over, whether local, state, or national; red or blue state; no matter the party, we almost all wish for more civility in government. According to the Institute for Civility in Government, civility is more than being polite. It fosters a deep self-awareness. It requires staying present even with those we [...]

Given the Town Board’s hard, nonpartisan work, I can talk about the draft Preliminary Budget. Please note that the numbers below are the best available and subject to change.
We conservatively balance our budgets while not being addicted to growth. We keep spending within inflation while preparing for the future.
Our efforts should reduce General Fund appropriations [...]

We strive to instill a culture of best government practices in the Town of Clarence.
We use tools of good government practices. We have created Lean Six Sigma initiatives. We have made significant steps in Outcome Based Budgeting. We have a first class parks system, well run and recognized youth programs, and an ever increasing offering [...]