JUNE 5, 2009

COUNTY LEGISLATURE DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE LOCAL LAW REDUCING LEGISLATURE, CONTINUING REFORMS

Erie County Legislature Chair Lynn M. Marinelli, Majority Leader Maria R. Whyte and Government Affairs Committee Chair Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams and Democratic County Legislators are sponsoring a local law reducing the number of County Legislators to 13 from its current 15 members today.

They are joined by County Legislators Betty Jean Grant, Michele M. Iannello, Kathy Konst, Daniel M. Kozub, Thomas J. Mazur, Robert B. Reynolds Jr. and Timothy M. Wroblewski.

The local law will also put to referendum an increase in the length of term for county legislature positions to four years from two years, as recommended by the Erie County Legislature 21st Century Commission.

"This action makes reform a reality and honors the work of the bipartisan 21st Century Commission. It also continues our pattern of reform with the Erie County Charter revisions, which won the voters' overwhelming approval," Chair Marinelli said.

"Our colleagues had many different positions on reform, but change only happens when we build a consensus. I am proud that this majority built a consensus for action by the people," Majority Leader Whyte said.

"The Erie County Legislature originally was made up of 20 members, was then downsized to 17 members and downsized again to 15 members in 2003," Legislature Chair Marinelli said. "My colleagues and I want to express our great and sincere appreciation to the work of the bipartisan 21st Century Commission."

"I am in favor of this downsizing as a part of an overall reduction in spending, in conjunction with my Taxpayer Protection Law, that, if passed, would save millions of dollars, not just thousands," Legislator Michele M. Iannello (D-Kenmore) said. "Both will be put before the voters in November."

"As the chair of the Government Affairs Committee, this body will continue to educate and inform all of our constituents in a fair and transparent manner, inclusive of public meetings and hearings, to encourage public input and participation," Legislator Miller-Williams said.

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