JANUARY 16, 2009

COUNTY LEGISLATURE'S COMMITTEE WORKS ON 2009 ISSUES

The Erie County Legislature will address several issues, mainly through its committees, in 2009.

Through standing and special committees, all interested parties are able to offer comments and input on these issues. This allows a full vetting and bipartisan deliberation before the committees act and make recommendations to the full Legislature

Community Enrichment Committee - Chaired by Legislator Betty Jean Grant, the committee's main issues will be the Buffalo Urban Arts Center, the Erie Community College budget, charge backs and student housing; the Erie County Cultural Resources Advisory Board review and potential overhaul, and the Buffalo/Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau strategic plan.

Economic Development Committee - Legislator Timothy M. Kennedy will lead the committee addressing industrial development agency reform state-wide, the Employee Free Choice Act, the Lowest Responsible Bidder Local Law, the Apprenticeship Law, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, removal of the Skyway, the Transportation Subcommittee, county road and bridge infrastructure, implementing federal and state stimulus packages and their impact on Erie County public works projects and the Buffalo Bills.

Energy and Environment Committee - The committee, under its chair, Legislator Daniel M. Kozub, will focus on the intermunicipal parks agreement, the forestry program and maple sugar operation, the Erie County Water Authority and the Olmsted Conservancy reserve account and consideration of the proposed Erie County Planning Board. Finance and Management Committee - Committee Chair Legislator Kathy Konst will coordinate the deliberations on the status of the tax liens and the sales tax renewal; technical amendments for the 2009 budget; capital borrowing; monthly monitoring of the 2009 budget, revenues and expenses; identifying, analyzing and adjusting the 2009 budget based on state budget impacts; hold mid-year budget hearings in July; consider efficiency grant proposals and Six Sigma initiatives and performance-based budgeting.

Government Affairs - Under its chair, Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams, the committee's agenda includes receiving progress reports and other actionable items from the Erie County Legislature 21st Century Commission, the election law changes under the Help America Vote Act and consideration of the proposed Whistleblower Policy. Legislature Majority Leader Maria R. Whyte serves as committee vice chair.

Health and Human Services Committee - The committee, chaired by Legislator Thomas J. Mazur, will address the appointment of Commissioner of the Department of Social Services and the department's audit by the Comptroller, the ECMCC Board appointments and related issues, the Department of Senior Services' four-year plan, the impact of state budget cuts and the realignment of the Youth Bureau into the Division of Youth Services by Local Law.

Public Safety - Legislator Timothy M. Wroblewski, the committee chair, will deliberate and act on the appointment of a Probation Commissioner, Sheriff's Department issues such as overtime, overcrowding and road patrol concerns; the Commissioner of Central Police Services, 911 issues in Emergency Services and concerns in the City of Buffalo.

The Distressed Property Task Force, under its chair, Legislator Robert B. Reynolds Jr., will continue coordinating efforts pertaining to urban, suburban and rural communities. Legislator Michele M. Iannello will coordinate the County Legislature's efforts on green energy initiatives.

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