Angola summer resident Jim Eagan introduced the candidate as "the only candidate who has successfully managed county finances."

Mr. Keane outlined the budget's impact on the County's future, specifically noting "you've got kids leaving town, I've got kids leaving town, I've got grandkids living out of town.  This has to change and I'm going to make some changes when I'm County Executive."

He noted the changes at the state and federal level.  "Look at how things have shaped up.  A reform Governor, who accomplished workers compensation changes in his first 60 days -- that's great leadership.  A reform Congressman, who won a $280M settlement for the outer harbor -- that's great leadership."  

"What's missing?  Leadership at the County Executive level.  We've had one successful County Executive, Dennis Gorski, and I was his deputy for 5 years.  We left a $300M surplus when the Republicans took County Hall.  Republicans made it a $150M deficit.  How do you lose $450M dollars?  Because of no leadership."

Keane outlined ideas for tackling the deficit through cost effective government.  "Layers and layers of bureaucracy?  Not when I'm County Executive.  I want the best bang for our buck.  Closed beaches that everyone pays taxes for?  Not when I'm County Executive."

Asked about the Control Board, he declared "We're not going to need adult supervision when I'm County Executive." 

Deputy Town Supervisor Karen Connors Erickson vouched for the candidate's longtime leadership qualities; everyone laughed when she reminisced that "Jim was our eighth grade class president."  He remained after the meeting, exchanging well-wishes and listening to ideas from Club members one-on-one.     

If you are a Democratic Party member interested in joining the Democratic Club for the Town of Evans , then come to the April meeting on Tuesday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the VFW Post 5798, 8989 Erie Road in Angola.  The website is at www.evansdemocratic.org