In December the County of Erie 2007 budget was discussed, worked over, discussed again and compromises were made and the budget passed.

I am pleased to announce that cultural funding was recommended by a citizen's group and their work was excellent. You were most concerned that some smaller groups would have to close up shop without modest funding. With just a little tweaking to cover your concerns we were able agree to pass their recommendations almost as they wrote them.

Vive Casa has tremendous community support. My Office received many calls and emails' explaining the importance of the work Vive Casa accomplishes in our community. The legislature was able to restore partial funding to this important organization.

The Libraries, hit hard in 2006, saw restoration of 500,000. This was immensely satisfying for every district because libraries are a true community priority. Friends and neighbors of every age use our libraries.

This was my first budget cycle. I attended every budget meeting and hearing and met with colleagues and constituents to discuss the budget. There was a lot of communicating about this budget. I would have preferred to see more cuts of vacant positions; I would have preferred not filling some positions until our debt is much lower. I would have preferred spending any surplus to pay down debt. Overall, I am satisfied that your voice was heard and our position for less spending was understood.

The legislator's compromised. We were able to agree on many restorations to cuts enacted for 2006. These were to community based, community used services. Your opinion via email and telephone and even a few 'snail mails' to my office is very important. Your opinions help me set community priorities.

The County of Erie is still in fiscal crisis. There is a structural deficit that is being addressed over the coming 4 years. Simply put we do not have enough revenue to cover fixed expenses over that period. Even though a particular quarter or year generates a surplus, we are not out of the woods. We have tremendous debt. We have fewer employees to provide vital services. We have operating mandates we are responsible to deliver and we cannot arbitrarily stop. And we have community needs we cannot currently fund and community dreams - we cannot yet begin.

12 months ago the community sent 8 new members to the body of 15 with a message. I was one of the 'new guys'. The message was to clear up our debt, restore fiscal solvency and build our future with integrity. That is my mission. Keep sending your emails and notes. They help keep me focused on our community and crystallize what my neighbors want from County of Erie governance. Working together moves a community forward.

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