VOTERS IN BROCKPORT SAY NO TO DISSOLUTION

For now, the streets of the Village of Brockport

will continue to be maintained by CSEA members.

(photo by Ove Overmyer)

Brockport, N.Y.--  The village of Brockport will remain a village for now, as residents defeated the proposal to dissolve the village government in a heated campaign that attracted media attention from all over New York State.  The unofficial tally was 645 for dissolution and 911 against the plan.

Supporters of dissolution had said village taxes are too high and that the town of Sweden is in a much better financial position to provide services.  Opponents feared that dissolution could have interrupted many services people receive from the village.

There were also many concerns related to a new state law which requires people to vote for dissolution before a dissolution plan is actually drawn up.

CSEA represents the workers in the Department of Public Works for the Village of Brockport. They are members of the Monroe County Local 828. Our members provide valuable services to the village and for now, these services will continue to exist under a village government.

Bess Watts, CSEA Local 828 President, immediately got on the phone and called Unit President John Streb when she finally heard the news. “I’m relieved for our members. Now, perhaps they might get a better night's sleep knowing that their jobs are safe for now.  I thanked John for his leadership in this effort.”

Streb says CSEA staff, particularly Region 6 Political Action Coordinator Courtney Brunelle, was indespensible in fighting this effort to dissolve village government.  He said, "Courtney is a huge asset for CSEA and for the entire labor community."

As a reminder, our CSEA members who work for the Village DPW currently provide residents with quarterly brush pickup, roadside leaf pickup and Christmas tree pickup. Crews also clean and maintain storm drains, as well as repair and replace them at the first sign of trouble.

CSEA road crews maintain and re-pave streets and parking lots as needed to ensure smooth travel through the village. They perform regular pothole repair and routine maintenance of street signs and street lights. Street sweeping keeps village roads neat and clean, improving the appearance of neighborhoods and ultimately increasing property values.

Village crews also repair and replace sidewalks so that families can safely walk, push strollers, bike and even roller-skate on a sunny afternoon.

Trimming, maintaining and planting of village-owned trees is another service residents receive. These efforts have earned Brockport the designation of “Tree City USA.” Village crews also maintain all village owned parks and buildings. They decorate public areas for the holidays and provide additional assistance for special events, such as parades, the arts festival, the farmers’ market and many more.

Sewer repair, replacement and cleaning are other services Brockport residents receive. Village crews also repair and replace village-owned water lines, protecting the water supply.

Village personnel are on call 24-hours a day, seven-days-a-week to respond to water and sewer emergencies. Time is critical when these systems do not work properly. Fixing sanitary sewer problems expeditiously is a matter of public health.

In winter, village crews provide punctual and efficient plowing of streets and parking lots. The town of Sweden does not offer plowing of sidewalks, meaning residents would have been responsible for clearing the walk in front of their homes if the village dissolved. That’s a service that’s not too common and would be sorely missed if residents voted for dissolution.

The Monroe County Board of Elections said Tuesday night's results do not include write-in or affidavit ballots, which will be counted on Wednesday.