FEBRUARY 5, 2008

Learning As Part of Governing

By Kathy Konst
Erie County Legislator District #5

Last week I was in Albany for NYSAC, the New York State Association of Counties Conference. This is the second year that I have attended, at my own expense I might add.

This conference is always enlightening. Besides offering the opportunity to network with and learn from other representatives and officials, it afforded me an insider's look at how policy is created behind the scenes in the State capital.

Among all the lobbyists helping to shape policy, NYSAC is different because it is comprised of government representatives affected by state policies. It is within the committee process where elected officials can meet with key department heads and industry specialists. This gives each committee a good working team that can tackle issues head on, and with the research help of the NYSAC staff, we legislators have the best information available.

This year, I was appointed to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where we crafted two resolutions that will go before the State Assembly for approval. In each case, the goal was to spur our economy and curb some of the business-killing regulations that deter small business development.

I will be sponsoring parallel resolutions here in Erie County to strengthen our case in Albany. I will also reach out to our State Delegation of Senators and Assembly persons to discuss these resolutions as well as other items in the 2008 Proposed State Budget that adversely affect Erie County.

Speaking of the State Budget, it's not easy watching a budget being crafted that must keep expenses in check while preserving services. However, there are some fees being imposed that are just frightening. So, I'm sure there will be quite a bit of wrangling in Albany before a final “balanced” budget is achieved.

And, as much as I love the idea of $1 billion being infused upstate for economic development, that money comes from taxpayers and nothing is ever free.

One state proposal is for a fee to be tacked on to our auto insurance premiums. The current $10 "Motor Vehicle Law Enforcement Fee" will increase to $20 with the $10 additional fee going for roads and bridges. Back in 2006, I received dozens of calls from my constituents against a $10 per vehicle County fee. I hope that these same constituents will similarly call our State Legislators now.

I believe State lawmakers must make every effort to first take care of our infrastructure problems from monies already collected from taxpayers, rather than going back to the well for more revenue from new fees.

Attending this conference puts us upfront as witnesses to the state mandates and state funding cuts that adversely affect Erie County. While it is true that Erie County policy makers will have to be vigilant in protecting taxpayers from these ever-increasing burdens imposed on us by the State, we need your help too.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and ideas. For accurate information on County issues, please call my District office at 601-3030.

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