Press Releases: 10/30/09 Legislators Iannello, Reynolds Call for a County Tax Abatement Law for Home Improvements 10/08/09 Erie County Legislator Michele Iannello News Release 09/30/09 Iannello Calls on County Executive to Include Tax Cut in Budget 08/26/09 IANNELLO APPOINTED CO-CHAIR OF THE NIAGARA ERIE REGIONAL COALITION BY LEGISLATURE CHAIR MARINELLI 08/07/09 LEGISLATOR IANNELLO DEFENDS PREVAILING WAGE VOTE

Michele M. Iannello - District 10 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2009 Erie County Legislator Michele Iannello News Release Erie County Legislator Michele Iannello (D-Kenmore) today again announced her proposal to bring Legislature sessions to the citizens of Erie County. Three months into her first term in 2006, she proposed evening sessions as a part of her "Five Part Reform Agenda for Change." The County Legislature meets in formal sessions approximately 24 times each year. This proposal would bring a portion of the Legislative sessions out to the districts. "While the executive branch may be running itself like a business, it is important to recognize that the Legislative branch is the voice of citizens of Erie County," Legislator Iannello said. For years the Legislature sessions have been held in Old County Hall in downtown Buffalo. Many people are interested in the operation of government. However, holding sessions exclusively in downtown Buffalo prevents them from attending. Transportation and the cost of parking are a problem for some, while others would just prefer not to travel downtown at all. "Since it is their government, we should make it more accessible to the citizens," Legislator Iannello said. Legislator Iannello's proposal would allow for sessions to be held throughout the county on a rotating basis in legislative districts. The sessions would be held at high school auditoriums or community centers. "I am particularly excited about having sessions at high schools. Many times civics classes will require the students to observe a meeting of a government body. This will give students an opportunity to observe the County Legislature in session," Legislator Iannello said. "It is important that we inspire interest in local government in students. It would allow for shared venues, for example, if held at Kenmore West High School it would cover both the 10th and 11th Legislative districts that overlap in constituency." "My district has diverse problems just as the problems facing the county as a whole. Having the sessions disbursed throughout the county will allow the Legislature to obtain a better perspective on the problems in each individual district," Iannello said. Legislator Iannello's district includes the Village of Kenmore, part of the Town of Tonawanda, the City of Tonawanda and Grand Island. "I commend Legislator Iannello for introducing this resolution and for identifying additional ways to make county government even more accessible to the general public," County Legislature Majority Leader Maria R. Whyte (D-Buffalo) said. Back to District 10 Homepage