At the beginning of each year, the Erie County Legislature reorganizes. We appoint the Chair of the Legislature, and the Majority and Minority leaders. The Chair of the Legislature then gives out the coveted committee assignments.

We have a strong committee process in Erie County and that should make citizens feel good about how their government works. All major and minor issues of county government get reviewed, discussed and approved in the committee process. The committee is comprised of five legislative members and a clerk. Three of the members are from the majority side of the house and two members are from the minority. The Chair of the Legislature is appointed as ex officio member - which means, that by the virtue of their office, they become a voting member of all committees

The committee process is where the issues get the most scrutiny. Ultimately all legislators will vote on all issues brought to the legislature floor, but generally if an issue passes the committee test, it usually passes on the floor. Committee meetings are open to all legislators and, of course, the public and media also attend.

Contrary to what some people believe, government does not operate in a vacuum. The process is always discussed in an open forum. I've seen many issues put on the table for further review and I've seen some die on the table due to lack of support. Most issues will survive through collaborative effort and the give and take of honest and open dialogue.

I happen to be the Chair of the Human Services Committee and the vice chair of the Health Committee. Combined, those two committees make up the largest component of tax dollar expenditure. Forty-four per cent of this year's total budget was relegated to health and human services. But the bottom line is this: no matter what committee an issue is assigned, it has equal importance and relevance to us legislators.

This past year, I have seen the committee process bloom and I have seen legislators working collectively on all issues. We passed a budget with no property tax increase. We have a modest surplus and most importantly, we have a sense of calm and maturity in our house. It holds promise for this coming year. We've already met and discussed the issues we must address in 2007. I assure you that while we don't always get what we want, we usually end up getting what we need ... and that's cooperation.

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