JULY 2, 2008

COUNTY LEGISLATOR WROBLEWSKI ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF DISTRICT ATTORNEY OFFICE PROSECUTOR UPGRADES

Erie County Legislator Timothy M. Wroblewski (D-West Seneca, South Cheektowaga) recently led the Erie County Legislature in approving the Erie County District Attorney's Office using a state grant to help increase the effectiveness of the prosecutors' office.

The Erie County Legislature, including the Public Safety Committee, which is chaired by Legislator Wroblewski, previously approved the District Attorney's Office's acceptance of a New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services' Operation IMPACT grant.

"The action the Legislature joined me in approving will allow the grant funds the county obtained to be realigned, without additional cost, to upgrade two assistant district attorney positions in the Operation IMPACT program, which targets violent street crime and primarily addresses illegal guns, gangs and drugs," Legislator Wroblewski said. "These kinds of felony cases require the skills and knowledge of more experienced prosecutors, which the next level of assistant district attorneys would provide. These prosecutors are trained and experienced with these cases, which require a ‘best of the best' prosecutorial approach."

The District Attorney's Office had expressed concerns that the Operation IMPACT grant and program's effectiveness would have diminished if the upgrades were not approved. The actions are effective July 1.

Legislator Wroblewski also announced that he and the County Legislature unanimously approved purchasing a new microwave radio system to replace the existing 25-year-old system, which some county officials call "antiquated."

"The new microwave radio system will enhance 911 radio communications for emergency first responders and the Erie County Department of Public Works and Parks," Legislator Wroblewski said. "The project cost will not exceed $1,246,038, and funding for the new microwave radio system will be obtained from the 2007 year-end E-911 fund balance; this included state aid reimbursement in a similar amount. I am pleased that the Legislature has joined me in providing a crucial radio system to assist our first responders and others in a cost efficient manner."

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