MAY 23, 2007

COUNTY LEGISLATURE URGING ALL GOVERNMENTS TO CONTINUE COOPERATING TO CLEAN UP OCTOBER SURPRISE STORM DEBRIS

The Erie County Legislature unanimously voted to encourage all levels of government to cooperate to continue cleaning up debris from the October 2006 surprise storm at its May 16 session.

The resolution, co-sponsored by Legislature Chair Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) and Legislator Thomas J. Mazur (D-Cheektowaga, Depew), notes that the City of Buffalo, Erie County and municipalities throughout the county worked together to clean up after the destructive October storm.

"Many people across Erie County were hit hard by the October surprise storm, which damaged homes, businesses, roads, trees and lines of communications and utilities," Legislator Mazur said. "There was also great cooperation in the initial stages among private citizens, government entities and utilities, as well as between municipalities themselves, to work together and shares services and knowledge in getting life back to normal.

"But with winter continuing to require necessary equipment, manpower and resources to clean up snow and ice from roads and elsewhere, some of the cleanup was delayed," Legislator Mazur added. "At this point, some residents, particularly senior citizens, are left with debris to clean up or to bundle up and place at the bottom of their driveways for pickup, and some municipalities do not have enough of these resources to complete the cleanup without assistance from other municipalities. So we are calling on all level of governments to continue their good work in helping everyone in need."

"Erie County provides necessary services to its residents, particularly in cases of law enforcement, prosecuting criminals, public health and safety," Chair Marinelli said. "This is an appropriate instance to call on all governments, including county government, to make certain all residents receive the help they deserve."

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