The Quaker faith phrase of “speaking truth to power” has become something of a cliche over the years. But it came to mind immediately when I read about Kevin Gaughan being barred from addressing a Williamsville village citizens group. The village resident who assailed Gaughan’s downsizing crusade unwittingly highlighted what makes his reform drive unique. It’s not that Gaughan doesn’t tell enough truth, it’s that he tells too much truth.

Our elected officials continually claim that Western New York’s rebirth is right around the corner. Gaughan insistently reminds us that our area will never stop losing jobs and population until we reduce local taxes. And the truth, which politicians don’t want to hear, is that we can’t lower property taxes unless we dismantle the wall of governments, politicians and fiefdoms that produce ever-increasing, non-value added costs to the taxpayer and to the business community.

Given the lengths to which those who favor our present system will go to keep Gaughan from speaking, it seems like that’s a lot of truth for one guy to tell.

East Amherst