What used to be common ground, should be again
Respectfully submitted by Joshua Johnston, Wellsville NY
Federal investigations into corruption have been dropped in exchange for political cooperation. Companies donate millions to inaugural funds and see their regulatory problems disappear. Presidential library donations flow from entities seeking favorable treatment. This isn’t a partisan observation or even one limited to the current term. It’s what’s made headlines for years.
But we don’t need to look to Washington to see how government corruption impacts us. It’s right here in Allegany County.
When our county legislature votes on expanding their ability to exceed tax caps during the middle of a workday when most of us are at work and can’t attend, that’s the same playbook. When they approve raises for themselves while neighbors struggle with rising costs, they’re following the same script. When our representative in Congress avoids in-person town halls and screens phone calls instead of facing constituents, it’s the same pattern of avoiding accountability.
Right here in Wellsville, we’ve watched our village board change the rules for public speaking at meetings with residents already in the room waiting to speak, with then-Mayor Randy Shayler later stating that while the public has the right to observe public meetings, they don’t have the explicit right to speak unless it’s a public hearing.
We’ve seen a school board member resign after two years, citing that asking tough questions made them appear as a “troublemaker” rather than someone doing the job they were elected to do. They further noted that they feel more empowered to address issues and advocate for our local children as a community member than a board member due to constraints placed upon them at a state level and a lack of support from the district.
Consider this: With roughly 47,000 residents, Allegany County has 15 legislators. Erie County, with nearly 950,000 residents—more than 20 times our population—has just 11 legislators who effectively serve their communities. We’re not just paying for bloated government. We’re watching officials at every level appear to prioritize their interests and reputation among their peers over public service and their reputation among the people.
These aren’t partisan complaints. Our neighbors depend on SNAP benefits and affordable healthcare access. Our local businesses need customers with money to spend. When leadership—from county offices to Congress—aligns with policies that gut these programs without offering workable alternatives, our community pays the price through empty storefronts and families choosing between groceries and medications.
The pattern is clear: We’re told by our government that it is broken and corrupt, then given leaders who prove it true by hiding from us, enriching themselves at our expense, and serving the highest bidder instead of the people who elected them.
Our county meetings are public. Our representatives have offices and phone lines. We can show up, speak up, and demand better—from all of them, regardless of party.
The question isn’t whether you’re conservative or progressive. It’s whether you believe the people we elect should answer to us, meet with us face-to-face, and make decisions in the light of day rather than when we can’t attend.
That used to be common ground. It should be again.
