April, 2006
APPRENTICESHIP LAW DOES NOT BENEFIT WORKERS OR TAXPAYERS

The first law the new Erie County Legislature passed in 2006 does not set the stage to cut costs and reform government for the residents of Erie County. Fortunately, the veto of Local Law 1-2006 by the County Executive and ultimately, the lack of support from the original 11 sponsors of the law, in effect, prevented this misguided law from making all County building and road construction projects more expensive.

Let me explain. On January 25, 2006 eleven Legislators sponsored Local Law 1-2006 entitled “The Erie County Workforce Development and Diversification Apprenticeship Training Program.” On February 2, 2006 Local Law 1-2006 which required onerous training programs through the New York State Department of Labor for any contractor or sub-contractor doing business with Erie County passed by an 11-4 vote and became law. The County Executive then vetoed it on February 28, 2006. At a session of the Erie County Legislature on Thursday, March 16, 2006 this Local Law was sent back to the Economic Development Committee because the 11 sponsors lacked the 10 votes necessary to override the County Executive's veto.

This law is bad policy for Erie County taxpayers. It is invalid because it undermines the competitive bidding process. And it is unfair because it does not treat all companies equally in bidding on Erie County contracts and it grants competitive bidding preferences.

This policy would alienate smaller, non-union and union contractors, including minority and women-owned business. It would not help them like its supporters claim. It's a law that would ultimately hurt not only small companies, but also every taxpayer in Erie County. Less competition means higher costs. Higher costs mean higher taxes. We just don't need this kind of policy in Erie County.

In matters that affect the lives of so many working men and women in our community, I believe very strongly that the need for dialogue among parties is essential. There was no opportunity for legislators and the business community to have discussion on the need for this type of regulation.

I'm sure there will be further attempts by those who want to impose additional regulations and increase costs to introduce other bills designed to curtail competition under the guise of "worker training." I assure you that I will continue to fight for small business owners in Clarence and all of Erie County and will not support any legislation that would negatively impact the lives of our working men and women. We just don't need more burdensome regulations like Local Law 1-2006.