May 27, 2009

Legislator Tim Kennedy Announces Support for Cutting the Size of the Legislature

Lawmaker Estimates $4 Million in Taxpayer Savings Over the Next 10 Years

Today Erie County Legislator Timothy M. Kennedy announced his support for the 21st Century Commission recommendation to reduce the size of the Erie County Legislature from 15 to 11 members.

"The residents of Erie County want and deserve a lean government that can provide necessary services in a more effective and efficient manner and the Legislature should lead by example," said Legislator Kennedy, Chairman of the Legislature's Economic Development Committee.

In a letter to the Erie County Attorney, Legislator Kennedy is requesting a report detailing the actions necessary to begin the process of decreasing legislative seats.

The 21st Century Commission, a citizen panel, estimates the cost savings to Erie County taxpayers to be at least $250,000 annually however, Legislator Kennedy believes those numbers are fairly conservative and estimates the savings could reach up to $4 million over 10 years.

Kennedy said, "We must be leaders in challenging the status quo if we are serious about turning this region's economy around." Kennedy, who has also successfully championed the reduction in county funded cell phone and take home vehicle usage, has been a leader in reforming the way the County does business over the last four years.

ATTACHMENT: LETTER TO COUNTY ATTORNEY
Erie County Legislator Timothy M. Kennedy
2nd District

May 27, 2009

Ms. Cheryl A. Green
Erie County Attorney
69 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202

Re: Implementing the Recommendations of the 21st Century Commission on the Erie County Legislature

Dear Ms. Green:

Having reviewed the Final Report of the 21st Century Commission on the Erie County Legislature, I concur with its recommendations. The Legislature and the County Executive should move with all haste to implement this proposal, including the reduction of the size of the Legislature from 15 to 11 members, which will result in an approximate annual savings to taxpayers of at least $250,000.

I write today to request that you report back to the Legislature within 20 days with recommendations as to how to most efficiently and seamlessly implement the proposal in a manner which holds up the County's obligations under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the State Constitution, and all other relevant laws.

Thank you very much for your assistance in this pressing matter.

Sincerely,

Timothy M. Kennedy
Erie County Legislator District 2

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