FEBRUARY 9, 2007

COUNTY LEGISLATURE DEMOCRATS FOCUS CAPITAL SPENDING PRIORITIES ON VITAL, CONTRACTUALLY REQUIRED PROJECTS

Among the important issues the Erie County Legislature is working on is developing and improving a capital project spending plan, advocating that we must continue to adopt reform and financial efficiencies in our elected service to the people of Erie County while making proper, wise and controlled investments in necessary infrastructure and meeting our contractual obligations.

The Finance & Management Committee, chaired by Legislator Robert B. Reynolds, Jr., addressed the issue of capital projects and bonding at its February 8 meeting by discussing with the County Executive and department heads the amount and details of upcoming proposed capital projects. This wide-ranging discussion is one of the first steps in the County Legislature formulating its capital project plan.

We are gathering as much information and input as is possible to evaluate the worthiness of the capital projects proposed, and balance these considerations with how much the county can afford to spend. The target for capital spending in 2007 in $30 million, and that includes contractually required spending for items such as the new scoreboard at Ralph Wilson Stadium and work at the Erie County Medical Center.

The County Legislature is the fiscal house and the policy house in Erie County, and we are continuing to gather input from all parties. It is a positive step to be starting this process through the Finance and Management Committee in February. We are living more within our means in Erie County, and a reform based, responsible capital spending process and budget are essential to this.

For many years in the Legislature, even before I was elected its chairperson, I have advocated for more responsible capital project spending. While many worthy projects are proposed, we must act prudently on approving bond projects that are needed and as cost-efficient as possible. Wise spending practices are required in these fiscal times when everyone must learn to do more with less.

With the severity of the cold and windy winter weather hitting Western New York recently, I want to remind my constituents that a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Outreach will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, at the Kenilworth Fire Hall, 84 Hawthorne Avenue, Tonawanda. The first 80 applicants who sign in at the Outreach are guaranteed service, and people should bring one form of identification (including a birth certificate, driver's license or Social Security card), proof of income and household resources, and they must meet the specified household income guidelines.

The Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District is offering its annual conservation tree and shrub seedling program sale, and will accept orders of 34 varieties of trees and shrubs through Friday, March 16. My constituents can get more information on how to acquire the order forms by calling my district office at 832-0493 or by e-mailing me at Marinelli@erie.gov.

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