January 18, 2007

Ranzenhofer Opposes Party Loyalist Job

Republican members of the Erie County Legislature announced today that they strongly oppose creating a new position for an "intergovernmental relations staffer" proposed by the Democratic Majority.

"Creating jobs for party loyalists is not the way to move Erie County forward, or to answer the public's overwhelming call for reform," said Minority Leader John Mills (R-Orchard Park). "When asked why such a position is warranted, Chairwoman Marinelli has stated that collaboration is the name of the game in government. The Republican caucus of this County Legislature believes that collaboration between the Democratic Party Headquarters and the Legislators is not the name of the game and that reform should be the objective. The taxpayers of this County have asked us to do better. This is not better; it's more of the same old."

"The funding for this position already exists in the County budget, so does funding for positions that are currently vacant," said Legislator Barry Weinstein, MD (R-Amherst). "That is one of the exact reasons why the Republican caucus voted against the Majority proposed budget in the first place. Instead of cutting costs and trimming all unnecessary funding, the Majority insisted on padding the budget for situations like this. Furthermore, the Chairwoman of the Legislature can fill an existing position without Legislative or Executive approval. To seek approval for a higher paying position is really stupid. Sadly, this is a prime example of business as usual in Erie County, and not the true reform and right-sizing that is so badly needed."

"Just yesterday, the Republican caucus outlined the first of its reform proposals to help build a better Erie County," said Legislator Michael Ranzenhoffer (R-Clarence). "A day later, the Democratic Majority proposed a patronage position for a longtime party loyalist. It is exactly this kind of behavior that has lead to the public's distrust and disillusionment with County government. Instead of taking new, bold steps to repair those feelings and move Erie County forward in a better direction, the Majority seems content with the status quo. I know the people of Erie County are not."

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