Vital Services Slashed Despite His Efforts To Save

Despite Erie County Legislator Timothy M. Kennedy’s (D-South Buffalo) efforts to save vital services from being slashed from the 2005 Erie County Budget, 108 million dollars in cuts were voted on and passed by a 13-2 margin early Friday morning. Kennedy feared the impact these cuts would have on his constituents and their safety and cast a no vote accordingly.

“I could not have supported such drastic slashing of vital services that are so important to my constituency,” Kennedy said, “This was about families who rely on assistance from our social services, our senior services, our protective services. It was about protecting our youth and preserving the public school nurses who administer their medicines and medical care. This was about doing everything in my power to fight for keeping public safety intact and probation officers in place who monitor violators of the law living in our neighborhoods. Ultimately, it was about ensuring the people of South Buffalo continue to have a sense of safety and security, and receive the services they are entitled to as taxpayers.”

Legislator Kennedy now turns his attention for immediate action to develop alternative plans to fill the void in services for the people of the Second Legislative District. Due to the crippled county government that will be left after the dust has settled from Friday's early morning cuts, Kennedy realizes these tasks will not come easy. He will direct his efforts toward building contingency plans focusing on the services affected from the recent cuts.

“These cuts were too deep and I would not be a part of dismantling the services that are vital to my constituents!" Kennedy said, "As we move forward, I will be diligent in my efforts to ensure public health and public safety remain my top priority.”

If Legislator Kennedy can be of any assistance to you please contact his office at 1928 South Park Avenue or call 824-6180.

Back to District 2 Homepage