Enraged by the cry of "Taxation Without Representation," American colonists boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773. At a signal from Samuel Adams, 40 to 50 men boarded the ships and dumped the contents of 340 chests of tea into the Bay. The Boston Tea Party, as it would become known, helped to bring on the Revolutionary War in America.

Today, some 234 years later, we, the taxpayers of Niagara County, may consider a more civilized "Tea Party" of our own - one that addresses the plight we face as overburdened taxpayers in arguably the highest-taxed county in the nation. We need to believe that things can and will change with new leadership and better representation. As a candidate for the Niagara County Legislature, I herein present my beliefs to the voters of the 12th District (Lewiston):

• I believe that the interests of taxpayers have been set aside in the recent barrage of tax increases inflicted upon us as Niagara County residents, most recently in the 2007 budget which disproportionately impacted Lewiston residents.

• I believe that taxes can be lowered without the sacrifice of essential services through open, responsible, and accountable fiscal management - management that involves the input the taxpayers themselves.

• I believe that the IDA (Industrial Development Agency) concept is in dire need of reform as it has strayed from its original purpose. A $90 million dollar tax break for AES? The Niagara County Legislature cannot and must not be in the business of corporate welfare which increases our taxes. Why do I have the sudden urge to dump tea in the Niagara River?

• I believe thatthe time has come to put an end to patronage jobs and cronyism in County Government. These "practices" lead to the duplication of too many jobs and/or the creation of unnecessary positions that are funded by us, the taxpayers. Such actions, in turn, erode the public trust and confidence which are essential to good government.

• I believe thatthe current number of County Legislators is excessive for the total population of Niagara County. Other counties across the state and across the nation are more effective and run more efficiently with fewer legislators. I understand that, if elected, I could be up for elimination by lessening the number of legislators - but it's not about me, it's about us - the taxpayers!

• I believe thatthe positive outpouring of interest in LCTV's "Fair Government" meetings is a strong indication that Niagara County residents are vitally interested in participating in the governing process. They are demanding information and accountability before legislators vote on issues that affect the public interest, such as taxes and the spending of public funds.

• I believe that it is time to end the feelings of separation and disenfranchisement which have blocked our access to government for far too long.

In closing, I believe thatwith your help and input, we can start an idea in motion that will make a positive difference for us all. The time is long overdue to raise the quality of life in Niagara County by doing what it takes to lower the tax burden.

~ Jerry Mosey,Candidate for Niagara County
Legislature, 12th District (Lewiston)