February 9, 2009

KENNEDY FIGHTS FOR COMMUNITY CENTERS

With state budget cuts looming, Legislator Tim Kennedy and members of the Erie County Legislature recently passed a resolution urging Governor David Paterson not to cut Community Optional Preventative Services (COPS) program funding. The funding, received by Erie County from the State, is used to reimburse the county for expenses incurred in providing preventative service programming for youth, families and senior citizens, as well as recreational services.

"This is where we draw the line in the sand," proclaimed Kennedy. "Any decisions that are made by the Governor or County Executive, that are going to have a negative impact on our community centers, are unacceptable." The elimination of the funding source that Kennedy is challenging may force localities to cut certain related expenses associated with delivering services and recreational opportunities to hundreds of at risk children and their families, as well as senior citizens in Western New York.

If funding were cut, then County Executive Collins has proposed eliminating forty-six annual salaried positions which are supported in part by COPS, potentially leaving no other option but to close the doors of the facilities, as no one would be there to staff them.

"Senior citizens and the youth of our community depend on these community centers," said Kennedy. "We will do whatever it takes to ensure that they remain open and viable."

"I am asking the Governor and the County Executive to remember our children and senior citizens and to think long and hard before making a decision like this that could have such a negative impact on our neighborhoods," said Kennedy.

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