File photo Arkwright, with a population of 900 residents, appears ready to maintain a 150-year tradition.

Is it any wonder we continue to fail in looking to the future by maintaining our overabundance of government and schools in Western New York? Last week, one of the smallest municipalities in Chautauqua County actually had a gripe with a proposal to change the status of a highway superintendent in 900-resident Arkwright.

Their anger had been simmering before this month’s public hearing. But so hostile were those in attendance toward the idea that it had Supervisor Brian McAvoy backtracking.

OBSERVER staff member Braden Carmen was in attendance for the Town Board meeting and wrote up the belligerent discourse last week. As is typical with many here in Chautauqua County, they appreciate the conveniences that come with today’s high-tech vehicles, flat-screen televisions and cell phones that allow you to watch videos.

When it comes to moving government out of the past, however, keep your hands off.

One resident at the meeting cited the fact a highway superintendent has been elected the entire time the town has existed. “It’s been done that way for 150 years or whatever the town has been around and you’re trying to change this all of a sudden. I don’t understand why you guys think you’ve got the authority.”

How dare they.

Consider that absurd argument for only a moment. Over the last 150 years, has the town highway department operated the same way every year? Since 1876, has the department shunned vehicles and plow trucks to operate? Is it still using a horse and buggy?

Absolutely not. Like everything else, it has evolved over time.

McAvoy hoped the transition to an appointed position would provide several benefits, including the ability to fill the position with a qualified candidate from outside the limits of the town. The Town Board also believed the role would be easier to fill with a qualified candidate on a part-time basis than it would be with the current residency requirements.

A switch also could have saved the town money, as Lisa Waldron, who currently holds the position earns $55,702 to oversee the nearly 40 miles of roads in the town. She worked with McAvoy in crafting the proposal.

One of those most outspoken on the change was Steve Mead who served in the position previously. “Now you’ve got me pissed off, and I don’t want to be pissed off,” Mead shouted at McAvoy. “You and I grew up together, but damn it, you’ve really, really got a fire going in this town that’s bad. I’m concerned, I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t. This topic is sending us off the top.”

How in the world can we get municipalities — or schools for that matter — to work together when the topic of a highway superintendent for a tiny town is so contentious? What made the situation even more quizzical was McAvoy’s remarks that in 2020 they were practically begging someone to run for the position before Waldron took over.

Fortunately, there have been cooler heads in other portions of the north county that understand cooperation. In Brocton and Portland, the village and town share a highway superintendent in Ken Becker. He oversees 65 miles of road in both municipalities.

Same with the towns of Dunkirk and Sheridan. They share one capable supervisor in Jeff Feinen who oversees a total of 46 miles of road.

Article 5-G of the state’s General Municipal Law authorizes local governments to agree to share services. Because it applies broadly, there are tremendous opportunities for collaboration between and among different entities like local governments, school districts, fire districts and water conservation districts

Too often, however, leaders do not take advantage of this opportunity, seeking instead to maintain local control no matter how high the cost. In the case of Arkwright in 2020, there was no one stepping forward to be highway supervisor.

That is understandable knowing the demographics. The town has a median age of 51 and a median income of $93,000 per household. Frankly speaking, it is already slim pickings.

New York state proudly notes it believes in local control. But for those serving on a municipal board while living in the community — especially during a crisis or disagreement — it can get uncomfortable. That is currently the case for Dunkirk and Fredonia regarding finances and water.

Both those boards are in paralysis due to the fact that whatever decision is made, it will offend someone who could be their neighbor. That is exactly what McAvoy did by presenting a reasonable solution to a lack of candidates in Arkwright.

What played out this month is almost always what happens with small, local governments. Stubborn ways that were the norm 150 years ago win out over common sense today.

John D’Agostino is the editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.