May 23, 2007

Ranzenhofer hosts public Hearing on Local Law 1-1 2007

(Amherst, New York) Yesterday, May 22, 2007, Republican Legislators John J. Mills, Michael H. Ranzenhofer, and Barry A. Weinstein, MD invited the media and interested members of the public to join them for a discussion on a local law they sponsored in January of this year. Local Law Intro. 1-1 (2007) is a local law that requires elected officials in Erie County to resign from office upon being convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. The public meeting was well attended and included representation from a few candidates seeking to join Legislators Mills and Ranzenhofer in the Legislature next year. Those included Edward Rath, who is running for Weinstein's seat in the 15th district, Tom Ulbrich, who is running in the Legislature's 5th district, and Rus Thompson, who is running in the Legislature's 10th district.

Legislator, and Minority Leader, John J. Mills opened up the evening by welcoming the attendees and giving them a brief synopsis of the proposed law. Mills described the law as "no-brainer legislation that is simple and straight forward." Legislator Mills was making reference to the law's lack of ambiguity regarding its purpose. Legislator Weinstein expanded on his thoughts and added that "this law is simple, and it makes clear that elected officials in Erie County who commit felonies and misdemeanors should be forced to resign their position because they violated the trust the public placed in them." This law was sponsored by the Republican Caucus at the height of the scandal surrounding former Legislator George A. Holt, a Democrat, after the Republican Caucus realized the Democratic Majority of the Legislature was not going to appropriately respond in a fashion that protected the taxpayer. Legislator Ranzenhofer expressed dismay that all the Democratic Legislators and the Democratic Chairwoman thought it was acceptable for persons convicted of misdemeanors and felonies to serve in the Legislature.

Edward Rath, a candidate for the 15th district, was the first to speak and his comments spoke volumes about what he would bring to public service. Rath stated that he believes "elected officials ask for the public's trust and they must be held to a higher set of ethical and moral standards." The Republican Caucus agreed with his comments and Minority Leader Mills mentioned that Rath's comments accurately reflect the attitude his caucus has towards public service. Tom Ulbrich, a newcomer to politics, is seeking to represent taxpayers in the Legislature's 5th district, and he kept no secrets when he expressed his thoughts on this proposed law. He said "I rise in support of this law and part of me is sad that I have to. I remember a time when elected officials were highly regarded and respected..." Ulbrich, a small business owner, continued by adding that "...because of people like George Holt, the term politician leaves a bad taste in people's mouths, and the taxpayer deserves better." Ulbrich agreed with the Republican Caucus that the Legislature needs to bring this law to a vote as soon as possible. The last candidate who spoke was Rus Thompson, who is running to represent the Legislature's 10th district. Thompson applauded Legislators Mills, Ranzenhofer, and Weinstein for sponsoring this item and said "this is a law that just makes sense and I am shocked it doesn't exist already. This needs to be voted on very soon." Stephen Dally, a college student from Tonawanda who is not seeking a political office, came to rise in support of the law as well. Dally thanked the Legislators for introducing the law for consideration and stated that "it makes no sense for anyone to be against ethics in government and it would make no sense for Legislators to keep this law from being considered." Amherst resident Marshall Wood agreed with Dally and mentioned that "not considering this law is the same as voting against it."

Minority Leader John J. Mills made final remarks that reminded the audience of the legislative intent of this law. That intent is to restore, maintain, and always provide the need for integrity and the maintenance of strong morals in those who are elected to serve the people.

Legislator Ranzenhofer closed the public hearing by thanking those who attended and by ensuring them that he would take their opinions back to the Legislature where he, along with his colleagues, would continue to fight for ethics in government.

Back to District 4 Homepage