Town Clerk Carole Meissner led the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance at the October meeting of the Evans Democratic Club.  Reports of elected officials were presented by Town Supervisor Fran Pordum, and Board members Karen Connors Erickson and Paul Cooper. 

Pordum praised the work done by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board in running the Halloween Party at the Evans Town Park on Sat., 10/17/09.  "They did a great job, and we also thank the workers in the Parks Department."  He discussed the Board's efforts to cut town operating costs.  "It's up to the taxpayers now; their voices will be heard on November 3rd.  A vote of Yes on the referendum will save taxpayers about $600,000 in the next four years." 

Erickson discussed the efforts to reduce staff at Town Hall.  "We've taken fulll-time jobs and replaced with part-time personnel.  We've pooled parttime jobs, so that a busy department can get help without requiring new hires." 

Cooper hailed the efforts of the Economic Development Advisory Board and Lori Szewczyk, Director of Community Development.  Through their efforts, the Town Board passed a resolution to promote improvements to existing properties, and development of new properties.  "This is a program to offer property tax relief for people who invest in their properties in our community," explained Cooper.  The matter has passed at the Town level and awaits action by the State legislature. 

Town Chair Robert "Bob" Catalino discussed contributions to Evans by County Legislator Bob Reynolds, who has been endorsed by the Democratic and Conservative parties.  "Reynolds is the Chair of the Legislature's Finance & Management Committee.  The residents of Evans have a leader in Reynolds.  He fought the effort by the county executive Collins to raise taxes, so now he's been targeted.  Let's all work to keep him in office."

The referendum on the merger of the duties of the Receiver of Taxes with the Town Clerk will be held on Election Day, November 3, 2009.  Pordum reminded that in 2010 the State will increase what the Town has to pay to the employee pension fund.  "Where are we going to get the money from?  We've got to cut the budget now so we don't have to have a tax increase."

The next meeting will be held at the VFW on Tuesday, November 17, at 7:30 p.m