FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2009

LEGISLATORS FORGE CHANGE TO GOVERNMENT, STABILITY TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The Erie County Legislature continues to reform the legislative branch while balancing representative service to the residents of Erie County. Nine Democratic legislators and I are sponsoring a local law to reduce the size of the County Legislature to 13 members, down from its current 15 members.

This local law, which also incorporates the 21st Century Commission's recommendation to change the terms of office for legislators to four years from two years, will continue the legislature's commitment to right sizing the County Legislature. The legislature was made up of 20 members when first created, then decreased to 17 members and again reduced to 15 members in 2003.

The County Legislature, through its Government Affairs Committee and its chair, Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams, hosted a thorough, in-depth and lengthy public discussion on the 21st Century Commission's report. The public will have further opportunities to comment on reduction proposals at a hearing scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, in the County Legislature Chambers, on the fourth floor of Old County Hall, 92 Franklin Street in Buffalo.

Among the issues that have been discussed by legislators, commission members and the public are: the number of legislators, length and frequency of terms, powers and duties; constituent service and district offices and district versus at-large seats, minority representation and balancing urban, suburban and rural representation. Upon next year's U.S. Census, New York State is expected to lose two seats in the House of Representatives. The Democratic legislature proposal reflects the same – and may exceed the anticipated population decline.

It is imperative that there is a consensus among a majority of legislators to ensure legislative reform referendums on the November ballot. The public is also encouraged to participate in the reform process by submitting comments to their legislators. Our ultimate goal is to implement changes in 2011 in compliance with reapportionment laws, conformance with federal and state laws, and the 2011 election.

Another important issue the County Legislature is working on is the Erie Community College 2009-2010 proposed $96.8 million budget, of which less than 20 percent comes from Erie County taxpayers. Support for community college job preparation, training and career programming is critical in this period of difficult financial situations facing many Erie County residents.

The legislature, which has been led in its review of the ECC budget by Legislator Betty Jean Grant, who serves as chair of the Community Enrichment Committee, will hold a public hearing on the budget at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, in the County Legislature Chambers at 92 Franklin Street in Buffalo. For information on these topics, please visit www.erie.com/legislature or call 858-7500.

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