In my return to public service as an Erie County Legislator representing Cheektowaga and Depew, probably my most important mission, and that of my colleagues in the County Legislature, is to provide the necessary services people require and expect of Erie County while making sure that spending and taxes are kept to the lowest possible levels.

Last year, the County Legislature, faced with a massive deficit, cut more than 1,000 jobs and eventually increased the sales tax by three-quarters of a percent, thus limiting a property tax increase originally slated at 60-70 percent to about 16 percent. The sales tax increase, while originally slated to end at the end of November 2007, is expected by many to be put up to a vote to be extended to provide finds for the county's four-year plan submitted to the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority.

These decisions have been and will be difficult to make, but when legally and properly made, must not be changed or badly affected by outside sources and other governmental agencies. This is why the County Legislature is facing such a momentous decision with many long-term results as it negotiates with leaders and members of the New York State Assembly over a plan that would require the county to share the eighth-penny of the sales tax with county municipalities for the Assembly's approval of that penny in sales tax, costing the county an estimated $30 million in revenue.

We in the County Legislature clearly understand the need to share and consolidate services where possible to save funds and eliminate duplication, but this sharing can't just be forced onto county taxpayers, but must be part of a plan that lets us know how the taxpayers will benefit. Establishment of a fund with some proof of savings and consolidation of services, to be shared with municipalities, is an effective and realistic step in this direction.

The County Legislature and the County Executive have submitted and continue to develop the four-year plan, and the County Executive has indicated that he would be forced to propose massive property tax increases if the county was forced to share the eighth-penny in sales tax with municipalities. We can't all of a sudden just pass down the property tax money; if we take $30 million out of the county budget, we will have to cut necessary services.

Many County Legislators believe that using this money as an incentive, and having the municipalities come to the table and show us how collaboratively we can cut costs, is the best plan of action. We need to get everybody talking; isn't it better to have people buy into a plan than have one forced upon them?

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