January, 2007

2006 Erie County Wrap-Up

As we wrap up another busy year in the Erie County Legislature, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some of the important issues that we addressed in 2006 and what lies ahead in 2007.

Charter Review Commission. Voters throughout Erie County overwhelmingly supported and voted for Proposition One on Election Day which makes changes to the Erie County Charter. Some of the changes, such as those that strengthen the powers of the Comptroller and transfer some of the County Executive's financial responsibilities to the Comptroller's office, will make County government more efficient and accountable. However, the centerpiece of the Charter Review Commission to transfer many of the County Executive's powers to a professional County Manager never reached the voters. I, along with several of my colleagues, will work in 2007 to continue to push for a qualified County Manager to replace the position of Deputy County Executive.

Enhancing Essential County Services. It is always a challenge to weigh all the requests of residents, but it is critical for Erie County government to get back to the basics and fund essential county services such as health, public safety and road and bridge repair. Our county road system especially is in need of repair and that is why in June 2006 I called for the full amount of transfer tax (the dedicated road fund) collected in Erie County to be allocated to road rehabilitation, or to eliminate this tax if it was diverted for other purposes. This revenue was intended to be used for fixing our roads in Erie County, and I will continue to fight for its proper use. Critical areas of funding such as highway and road improvements were not adequately addressed in the 2007 budget.

Pesticide Notification. The Erie County Legislature recently made the Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law a permanent law requiring that homeowners receive advanced notice of pesticide use in their neighborhood. Companies must give neighbors at least 48 hours' notice before applying pesticides to a lawn within 150 feet of another home.

2007 Erie County Budget. The 2007 Erie County Budget that was approved by an 11-4 vote on December 1, 2006 falls short of making necessary cuts and providing essential services. We cannot continue to balance the budget by just raising taxes. The Majority in the Legislature, without discussion, rejected plans for reform and reductions made by my colleagues and I in the Minority. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of pork and patronage were added to the budget as well as dozens of new positions. My highest priority for the coming year is continue to fight for lower taxes and reforming the delivery of essential yet basic services to the residents of Erie County.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year!

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