Highlighting the need for open communication, attainable change, and cooperative oversight, members of the Erie County Legislature's new Democratic Majority came together to unveil an exciting agenda for 2004 - "Strengthening Our Foundation - Building Our Future."

     "Of the many components in our agenda, I am most proud and excited to announce the establishment of the 'Urban Caucus,'" said Legislature Chairman George A. Holt, Jr. (D-Buffalo). "A diverse group of individuals has been elected to represent the City of Buffalo. We need to celebrate that diversity and monopolize on that diversity to bring a spectrum of ideas together focused on a single vision of improving our City."

     The six County Legislators representing portions of the City of Buffalo have asked their legislative counterparts on the Federal, State and local levels of government to join them in meeting as an "Urban Caucus."

     One of the most pressing issues facing the City of Buffalo and all of Erie County is a need to promote economic development. Erie County Legislators plan to utilize the legislative committee forum as not only an outlet for meaningful issue discussions, but also a true starting block for advantageous achievement.

     "The people we serve demand progress on economic development issues, but progress will not come by accident," said Legislator Mark J. F. Schroeder (D-Buffalo/Cheektowaga), who serves as Chair of the Legislature's Economic Development Committee. "Progress will require those of us charged with leading this community to take specific steps and make specific choices to take our community forward, such as: waterfront development, low-cost electricity, Brownfield reuse, Industrial Development Agency cooperation and biotech industry advancement."

     "Like a successful company, the County too should continuously examine its own internal structure and how it does business," said Majority Leader Lynn Marinelli (D - Buffalo/Tonawanda), who also serves as Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. "Our 2004 agenda includes a County Charter Review so we can revise outdated policies and develop new ways of doing business in County Government, including assisting the City in project-specific ways."

     "One of the most crucial issues facing us this year will be maintaining careful oversight of taxpayer dollars," said Legislator Albert DeBenedetti (D-Buffalo), Chair of the Legislature's Finance & Management Committee. "With a fragile budget based on uncertain assumptions, the Legislature's Finance & Management Committee will be busy monitoring our financial picture by improving the information required in monthly Budget Monitoring Reports and promoting new legislation such as our 'Budget Disclosure Act,' which will provide a better system of checks and balances and enhanced protection for our financial future."

     Legislator DeBenedetti, who also serves on the County's Audit Committee, added that advocating for Medicaid relief and an early retirement incentive will also be important components to long and short-term budget stability.

     "As we look at new ways to cooperate and regionalize services the Community Enrichment Committee will be carefully examining how the County can best provide higher educational services," said Legislator Timothy Wroblewski (D-West Seneca/S. Cheektowaga). "While there have been recent press reports on the issue, we are awaiting the results of a study on the Erie Community College campus structure and we look forward thoughtful discussions on what those results mean for ECC's future."

     Public Safety Committee Chairman Edward J. Kuwik (D-Blasdell) noted that protecting homeland security and overseeing operations at the new Public Safety Campus will top his agenda. "Above all, a community's ability to succeed is reliant upon its ability to provide a safe and secure environment for its residents."

     "The year 2004 marks the launch of Erie County Medical Center as a more independent Public Benefit Corporation," said Human Services Committee Chairman Legislator Demone A. Smith, whose district includes ECMC. "This state of the art trauma, burn and cardiac center is this region's most valuable resource for public health. Over the next several months we will work with the new corporation board to see that the hospital continues to fulfill its mission while seeking out new profitable ventures."

     Legislator Smith said the Legislature's Human Services Committee will also work with the administration to monitor plans to restructure the County's social service system with a careful eye on maintaining the quality of vital service delivery.

     "Seniors and families on a fixed income are facing one of the most difficult household budget setbacks in history as they open their heating bills this month," said Legislator Raymond K. Dusza (D-Cheektowaga). "The Legislature's Energy & Environment Committee is planning Home Heating Hearings to address this crisis head on."

     Legislator Dusza also added that parks also play a role in enriching the quality of life in our area. "Through the committee process we will also work on implementing the parks master plan and regionalizing park and other quality of life services."

     "Communication and cooperation will be the trademarks of this new Majority and positive accomplishments will be the result," said Chairman Holt.

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