Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy announced the passage of the 2007 Erie County budget by a vote of 11-4. The new budget features no tax increases and in addition, waived fee increases proposed by County Executive Joel Giambra. Legislator Kennedy said the main focus of he and his democratic colleagues revolved around restoring public safety and improving the quality of life for all county residents.

Particular focus was put into reforming the budget process, which in the past had all but rubber stamped Giambra's yearly budgets, ultimately leading to the fiscal demise of Erie County government. Kennedy, along with nine other new legislators, worked countless hours to develop the changes necessary to hold the County Executive and his administration accountable.

"For the first time in the history of Erie County, the legislature reviewed the proposed budget on a line by line basis and made significant changes in what was proposed by the County Executive," Kennedy stated.

"By doing this we were able to cut patronage jobs and government waste and then use that money to restore and enhance services," Kennedy said, "It is our job as county representatives to deliver entitled services to taxpayers while operating an efficient government. We have achieved that with this budget and did so without raising taxes."

Legislator Kennedy led the charge on many public safety issues, including the enhancement of the 9-1-1 system in Erie County, the restoration of probation officers to monitor convicted criminals and the improvement of the jail management system.

"The 9-1-1 system has recently drawn complaints and criticism," Kennedy said, "By providing more call takers to that crucial, and often life saving department, county residents will no longer be placed on hold when calling with an emergency. It will also alleviate some of the stress that comes with that all-important position and allow the hard working emergency operators to function more efficiently and effectively when getting saturated with emergency calls!"

"Restoring 10 probation officers will help to keep our streets safe, while adding 10 Sheriff deputies will help to improve efficiency within the holding center," Kennedy said, "Both decisions make good business sense as well because jail overcrowding and overtime costs will decrease simultaneously."

Kennedy, who serves as Vice-Chairman of the Legislature's Public Safety Committee, worked along with fellow democrat and Public Safety Committee Chairman Dan Kozub throughout the year to bring these issues to the forefront of county government. Kennedy stated, "I am proud to say that the legislature made public safety in Erie County its number one priority during the budget process!"

Legislator Kennedy and his colleagues also focused much of their efforts on restoring funding to the 2007 Budget that enhances the quality of life for residents of the City of Buffalo and Erie County. Among the recipients of restored funding was the Buffalo & Erie County Library system, receiving $500,000 more than what Giambra proposed, as well as the Buffalo Zoo ($1.2 Million), Convention & Visitors Bureau ($500,000), Vive La Casa ($75,000), and many others.

"Following the budget crisis of years past, funding was slashed in many areas that provide for a better quality of life throughout Erie County," Kennedy said, "Fortunately we have begun to restore those areas that were hit the hardest including our libraries and our cultural institutions, specifically in the City of Buffalo, that encourage tourism and promote our region."

Legislator Kennedy also noted that Erie County beaches and parks would remain open and free of charge despite Giambra's proposal to institute a fee for these recreation areas. "The parking fee proposed by the County Executive just does not make sense," Kennedy affirmed, "All residents of Erie County should be able to enjoy these regional assets without having to reach into their pockets every time they want to go for a jog in the park, have a picnic with their family, or go swimming at the beach."

The approved budget has now been sent to the county executive's office for approval. If the county executive chooses to exercise his veto power, Legislator Kennedy said he was confident that the 11 Democratic legislators who supported this budget would override his veto.

If you have any questions on the 2007 Erie County Budget contact Legislator Tim Kennedy at his district office at 1928 South Park Avenue or call 824-6180.

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