July 18, 2008

Legislators Support Reducing Legislature from 15 to 9

Say reducing size of legislature would make for more efficient and effective government

(Erie County Legislature – Buffalo, New York) Erie County Legislators John J. Mills, Michael H. Ranzenhofer and Edward A. Rath, III met with the media and interested members of the public on Friday, July 18, 2008 at 9:30 AM to announce their support for a plan to reduce the size of the Erie County Legislature from 15 to 9 members. They believe that reducing the size of the legislature will result in cost savings to Erie County taxpayers as well as help county government to operate more efficiently.

Legislators Mills and Ranzenhofer previously called for such a reduction in their "7 for '07" plan. "I am pleased that this idea is gaining support. I want to thank Legislator Loughran for joining with us on this idea. Reducing the size of the legislature has been a priority of mine and this plan furthers the reductions that voters demanded in 2003," stated Ranzenhofer, referring to the reduction in the size of the legislature from 17 members to 15 members. "The Legislature needs fewer and more qualified legislators. I look forward to bi-partisan discussions on this issue."

Legislator Mills added, "The fairest and most effective leadership for taxpayers can only be obtained by sensibly re-drawing districts. The first step is to create a non-partisan re-districting commission, similar to that outline in the County Charter. The commission will be charged with arriving at a plan that best meets the needs of taxpayers, not the needs of any political party."

Legislator Rath discussed the importance of the process. "The reduction of the size of the legislature must be undertaken in conjunction with the most current census data. Otherwise, we will find ourselves operating under a 'weighted voting' system such as we were a few years back. Through careful implementation of bi-partisan plan, we can create a more efficient and more effective county legislature."

Legislator Mills concluded by saying, "I look forward to discussing the plans to reduce the size of the legislature in committee. We need to examine all of the proposals and move forward with a plan that best meets the needs of Erie County taxpayers. The concept is gaining support and I hope that all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will work hard to present a plan for Erie County residents to vote on as part of a referendum. Erie County voters, not elected officials, should have the final say on this matter."

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