Reports of elected officials were presented.  County Legislator Bob Reynolds reported that the County Executive is looking to withdraw the County from the WIC Program, which provides food, health care referrals and nutrition education for low-income women, infants and children up to age 5.  The County would tender the program to Catholic Charities.  Reynolds asked that people call the County Executive to let him know how you feel.  A review of the County Executive's website reflects his number is 858-8500. 

Town Supervisor Fran Pordum responded to inquiries about the assessment; over 70% of Town residents saw a decrease in their 2009 property tax bills.  Town councilman Paul Cooper commended the town's Court Clerk Mary Ann Baake for her efforts resulting in the town court's receipt of about $30,000 in computer equipment, for free.  Town Clerk Carole Meissner discussed her observations of town government over the past 32 years and noted that reducing the Town Board from 5 to 3 members would make town government less effective.  She noted how state efforts to shift town services to the County level would hurt residents of small towns, especially for people located far from downtown county offices.  Village of Angola mayor Howard "Hub" Frawley reported about the decrease in the Village's property taxes and the status of county-wide planning discussions.

Town chair Robert "Bob" Catalino announced that the Southtowns Democratic Club will hold its annual dinner at the Evans VFW on Saturday, May 16th.  Town Clerk and club member Carol Meissner will be honored with the lifetime achievement award. 

The Club's bus trip to the Seneca Niagara Casino on Sunday, March 22 will depart from the Angola Fire Hall.  There are six tickets left; for tickets, call Bob Catalino or Mark Parker.

Club member John Latimore was recognized for his volunteer efforts for the spaghetti dinner held at Most Precious Blood on Wed., March 18.  Latimore made the sauce for the event.  Neno LaRusso reported that a fundraiser will be held for Friends of Fran Pordum on Friday, May 1st, at Mickey Rats.

The Club thanked Patty Latimore for organizing the Hooley Raffle and thanked Legislator Bob Reynolds for donating the first place prize, $100 in lottery tickets.  Joan Keohane won the first prize; Grant Zajas won the second prize, a bottle of Bailey's; and new member Teresa Rizzuto won the third prize, a six-pack of Guiness.

Following club business, the meeting adjourned in honor of the Lake Shore JV Cheerleaders, for bringing home three 1st place trophies over the winter 2009 competition season.  The team won back-to-back ECIC wins in both the fall football and the winter basketball cheerleading competitions. 

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at the VFW on Route 5.