“Keep Kenmore” is the name of the KVIS initiative to save the Village of Kenmore from dissolution.
The Keep Kenmore initiative includes a three stage comprehensive Agenda designed to engage our mission statement in defending the existence of Kenmore. Stage I has already begun and represents the time we have until Stage II. Stage II begins once petitioners begin to canvas the Village. Stage III would begin if a petition was presented to the Village Clerk. Each stage of our Agenda has been carefully planned and coordinated to bring the very best results in support of our effort to Keep the Village of Kenmore. The Agenda is extensive and far reaching in its scope. Most aspects of Village life have been examined in the light of dissolution and this has lead to an insightful and complete plan. The three stage Agenda keeps us from reacting to the new law dissolution process and enables us to act effectively with thoughtful purpose.
The Founder of Kenmore, L.P.A. Eberhardt, purchased land in 1888 near a trolley line north of Buffalo. A decade later in 1899, three hundred and twelve people who had moved to Kenmore, along with ”Daddy” Eberhardt, decided it was time to formally become a community. The Village was incorporated on September 5th of that year. It was a ground-swell impetus from the residents of Kenmore that made that decision to formerly begin our existence as a community, it should be a similar impetus that decides our future together.
But the situation we are faced with today doesn’t possess a grass roots beginning that wells up and points the way to village dissolution. No, it is quite the opposite situation we face. We are presented with media images of one person who lives elsewhere who wants to circumvent what should be a natural process for a ground-swell movement to choose to embrace the new law. This person utters dictatorial declarations of intent to force the new law process into action here, even though there isn’t any indication of a majority desire to do so. This person’s action could force the Village to a vote with an outcome already known by most residents: that we stand resoundingly against dissolution. To choose, as those good folks in 1899 chose, to remain united as a community only serves to strengthen our commitment to remain a Village. But to be forced to a vote by only 10% of registered Village voters is an affront to the sense of fairness we hold dear in our collective vision of hope for our community.
Kenmore Is Special
The Keep Kenmore Agenda is truly an indicator of the love we have for Kenmore and our united desire to continue and strengthen the traditions and qualities that make our Village special. Sometimes people who don’t live in Kenmore have a difficult time relating to our thoughts and feelings about our community. But most of us who live here now, and many who have lived here before but have moved, understand our passion for the Village. Maybe our love stems from the classic Trolley Suburb feel of the place, the trees, the quaint houses or even the closeness of neighbors. Perhaps part of our devotion is based on our corporate understanding of democracy here; maybe we know that government at a distance isn’t as effective as it is up close. After all, we have the unique ability here in Kenmore to walk to our Mayor or Trustees homes, we can speak with them and know we’ll be warmly welcomed. Other areas of NY may never have experienced this direct form of government where elected officials are truly neighbors; but if they had, they wouldn’t care to surrender this right any more than we do here in the Village of Kenmore.
With membership over 400 people, it has been said that the KVIS is the representative group of the residents of the Village of Kenmore. The effort against dissolution, the ground-swell to keep Kenmore should be lead by those who enjoy living here, the residents. Mayor Patrick Mang has stated that he and our Trustees believe that the residents of the Village are indeed the ones that should lead this effort. “Everyone on the Kenmore Village Board cares so much for the Village, but we can’t be the ones at the head of this effort, it could seem self-serving. Our residents need to make their voices heard and tell those who’d like to see Kenmore go away that we have no desire to do so.” *
Please join us in helping to Keep Kenmore. The three stage Agenda of the Keep Kenmore initiative needs people like you who are willing to use your time, talent, skills, financial resources, and experience to join in our stand against Village dissolution. Please call us at 877-0477, e-mail us at mail@villageofkenmore.com, or use one of the forms found on this web site to offer your help. Together we’ll continue to live as the unique community we are for many years to come.
*April 12, 2010
