MARCH 31, 2008

COUNTY LEGISLATOR WROBLEWSKI LEADS LEGISLATURE IN APPROVING DWI INITIATIVE TARGETING OFFENDERS

Erie County Legislator Timothy M. Wroblewski (D-West Seneca, South Cheektowaga) led the Erie County Legislature in approving an initiative targeting driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenders to have them pay for the program detailing with victim impact at its March 26 session.

The County Legislature, following the review of the Public Safety Committee, chaired by Legislator Wroblewski, approved an initiative that authorizes the collection of $20 from each DWI offender who is ordered to attend an Erie County DWI Victim Impact Panel presentation.

"By approving this action, we can have the DWI offenders pay to help offset the operating expenses of the DWI victim impact panels," Legislator Wroblewski said. "All expenses for the DWI Victim Impact Panel are currently borne by the STOP-DWI Program and paid for using fine revenue collected by court-ordered DWI fines. The increasing demand for this sentencing option by courts in Erie County has required the conduct of additional panels, with this associated increase in panels causing us to start this initiative. We feel it is fair to have the offenders pay for this panel, and not the taxpayers of Erie County."

"I am pleased to have worked with the Public Safety Committee and the entire Erie County Legislature to gain this tool in the fight against driving while intoxicated," Legislator Wroblewski added. "As we fight to reduce the number of people killed and injured in DWI accidents each year, the county can use this tool in our fight."

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