While the recent weather may not have a "New Year's" feel to it, we are, indeed, putting 2003 behind us, and moving forward in Erie County. This past year was a great one for our county, as we were able to make strides on many worthwhile initiatives that benefit taxpayers. From drastically reducing the size of the county's fleet of vehicles to holding the line on county property taxes to investing an historic $30 million in roads, bridges and culverts, 2003 was a year that we can definitely build upon.

     Here are some County Hall issues to keep an eye on in the New Year.

     Reapportionment

     On Election Day, 2002, Erie County voters overwhelmingly approved a reduction in the size of the Erie County Legislature from 17 to 15 seats. At long last, that change has now taken effect, as of January 1, 2004.

     The reduction, based on the 2000 census, accomplishes two goals. First, it equalizes the size of all of Erie County's legislative districts, eliminating the need for the weighted voting that has ruled the Legislature since mid-2001. Second, through the elimination of administrative costs and salaries, it will save taxpayers $600,000 for every two-year legislative term.

     The district that I have represented was previously numbered Erie County's 16th, and has been changed to the 4th. Though many legislators throughout the county have seen major changes in the towns they represent, our district will continue to cover the Towns of Clarence, Newstead, Amherst, and Cheektowaga.

     Please feel free to contact my District Office at 631-8695 with any questions on redistricting.

     ECMC

     Moving into the New Year, Erie County residents will have the opportunity to witness the historic transformation of Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) into a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). Great steps are being taken to complete the conversion, which was approved by the Legislature in 2002, with the legislation giving permission enacted by the State Legislature in July of last year.

     The benefits of such a move ensure to both Erie County taxpayers and the hospital itself. For taxpayers, the legislation takes the hospital out of the care of the county. While Erie County will continue to be the financial "backstop" for ECMC, the facility will operate more like a business than as a government-subsidized and government-run entity. For the hospital, PBC status affords it the opportunity to engage in strategic partnerships with the medical community in order to bring in revenues and provide better services at the hospital.

     In the end, this lengthy process is a positive step forward for Erie County, and for the future success of ECMC. I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to play a role in ensuring the continued prosperity of the hospital for many years to come.

     Medicaid

     Perhaps our biggest challenge that we will face in 2004 is tackling New York State's Medicaid mandate. As has been forecast in this column before, Erie County's portion of the mandated Medicaid costs will rise in 2004 by $16.5 million to over $175 million. As a point of reference, that figure represents not only every penny of Erie County's property tax revenue, but approximately $23 million of our sales tax revenue, as well.

     This problem is not unique to Erie County. A state-wide effort to convince the State Legislature that a change needs to be made is in full swing. My colleagues in the legislature and I will join with the County Executive to be a part of this outreach, to relieve Erie County taxpayers of this burdensome and consistently-rising mandate.