January 9, 2009

KOZUB PLAYS LINEBACKER ROLE IN BLOCKING COLLINS' TAX INCREASE

Erie County Legislator Daniel M. Kozub (D-Lackawanna, Hamburg, Buffalo) today confirmed his commitment to the Legislature's efforts to block the tax increase proposed by County Executive Chris Collins, even if it means going to court.

"I played football in this community, and I'm not afraid of a fight. County taxpayers need to be heard on this issue. I'm taking the position of middle linebacker, defending our senior citizens, families and small businesses - all members of the middle class who've said ‘enough is enough,'" Legislator Kozub said.

He pointed out that nearly $11 million is at risk of leaving taxpayers' pockets to go into the Erie County general fund if County Executive Collins gets his way. Legislator Kozub maintains that the Legislature made sufficient, surgical cuts to the budget to eliminate the need for a tax increase at this point in time.

"Conventional wisdom tells us that a government cannot tax a community's way out of a recession. We intuitively know that the nearly $11 million in question is better left in the hands of the taxpayers to be spent on necessities, pay down debt or be saved by those who can," Legislator Kozub said. " What better way is there to stimulate the local economy or improve family finances across this county?"

He further noted that his office has not received one phone call, e-mail or letter in support of a county property tax increase. He makes apologies to no one, and especially not the County Executive, for wanting to hold the line on property taxes. Legislator Kozub also echoed his constituents' disappointment that the County Executive is fighting so hard to raise taxes at a time when so many residents are finding it hard to make ends meet.

"I am more than willing to ask county government to do more with less. I wish the County Executive shared my 'business view' that the way to help our economy is to leave more money in the hands of the people," Kozub concluded.

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