June 6, 2009

KENNEDY INTRODUCES LOCAL LAW SUPPORTING 21ST CENTURY COMMISSION DOWNSIZING RECOMMENDATIONS TO ELEVEN

Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy, (D –Buffalo, Cheektowaga) announced the submission of a Local Law into the record calling for a downsizing of the legislature from 15 to 11 members as recommended by the 21st Century Commission.

This Local Law will directly compete with the Local Law to downsize the legislature to thirteen members and as submitted into the record on the same day, should allow for a timely consideration by the full legislature.

If approved, this Local Law will put to a November referendum the downsizing of the legislature to the precise number recommended by the 21st Century Commission.

"The public has spoken loud and clear that they want downsizing in government size and government spending, and they want it now," Kennedy stated, "The Erie County Legislature has a clear choice on whether or not to fully deliver on a downsizing recommendation put forward by the 21st Century Commission and vote to reduce the number of legislators to eleven."

The bipartisan 21st Century Commission was established by leaders of the legislature in response to the outpouring of public sentiment toward downsizing the Erie County Legislature. The volunteer commission studied and deliberated a host of issues impacting the size, scope and duties of the Erie County Legislators. This process included in depth surveys and interviews of current and former legislators to gain a unique perspective on government functions. Furthermore, public hearings were held to allow for input from the residents of Erie County.

"Downsizing the legislature from fifteen members has been discussed for years, however in those discussions, the number of legislators to cut to has been floated around arbitrarily," said Kennedy, "After seven months of study, the 21st Century Commission gives us the first concrete number and the reasoning for producing that number that we have seen. That number is eleven. I believe the Erie County Legislature should embrace the results of the commission study, vote to reduce the legislature to eleven and allow for public referendum this November. By doing so, the Legislature will essentially put the trust of the public back into their government."

The local law also calls for individual legislative terms to be extended from two to four years, another recommendation put forward by the commission.

"As the cost of government continues to skyrocket and the cost to taxpayers rises concurrently, the need for reducing the size of government has never been greater," stated Kennedy, "As government entities throughout Erie County and New York State consider downsizing, the Erie County Legislature has an opportunity to lead by example. Voting to downsize the Legislature to eleven will do just that."

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