MAY 18, 2009

LEGISLATURE PROGRESS ON REFORMS, PARKS AND PROJECTS

The 21st Century Commission was created to review a wide range of Erie County Legislature reforms. My colleagues and I are grateful to the dedicated work of the nine volunteers who have met monthly since last fall, conducted surveys and interviews, and held a public hearing in March. The commission has done thoughtful research, civil deliberations and a thorough process. Martha Lamparelli, who provided strong leadership as chair, and the members involvement are worthy of public recognition.

The Commission will soon submit a report, including recommendations for action by the Legislature. The next step will be a review by the Government Affairs Committee under the leadership of Barbara Miller Williams. A public hearing will be scheduled and members of the legislature will determine what recommendations become requisite referendum items for the voters.

The issues that were studied included: number of legislators; length of term; possible staggered or limited terms; scope of responsibilities, powers and duties; constituent service and district offices; district versus at-large seats; minority representation; and balancing urban, suburban and rural representation.

The public is encouraged to participate in the reform process by either submitting comments to their legislator or attending a public hearing, which will be scheduled and announced prior to final action by the Legislature. The ultimate goal is to implement changes in 2011 in compliance with reapportionment laws, conformance with federal and state laws, and the 2011 election.

UPDATE ON CITY-COUNTY PARKS – I am pleased that the County Legislature unanimously approved Erie County accepting more than $3 million from the City of Buffalo to continue funding workers to maintain the county parks in Buffalo through the end of 2009. With summer close at hand, the workers who staff the parks, playgrounds, pools and beaches need to be hired and ready for the upcoming season. A renewed city-county Inter-municipal Agreement is expected to come before the Legislature in August.

The Legislature also approved $360,000 in matching grant funds in the 2009 budget to the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Olmsted parks make up 75% of city parkland. We expect that the fund raising for the matching funds is accepted by the administration and the Executive swiftly initiates this necessary spending.

THREE YEARS OF CAPITAL PROJECT WORK APPROVED BY LEGISLATURE – The County Legislature also unanimously approved the plan for the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority to borrow more than $100 million to fund infrastructure and other capital projects for 2007, 2008 and 2009. This is a major economic development tool. We need to conduct the borrowing and perform much-needed repairs and renovations to roads, bridges, the Buffalo Zoo, the Holding Center and other important county facilities. Resolution of this issue also allows the county to gain state and federal matching funds. It allows vendors, suppliers, contractors and their employees to be paid. The County Legislature's vote was in the best interest of the community for a financial deal worked out among the Comptroller's Office, the administration and the control board on the borrowing.

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