September 10, 2009

Legislative Republican Caucus Votes to Sustain County Executive's Veto of Local Law

The Erie County Legislature voted today to sustain the County Executive's veto of Local Law No. 3-2009. The local law, which was passed by the Legislature earlier this year, would have changed both the size of the legislature as well as double the length of the term of office for Erie County Legislators.

All three members of the Republican Caucus, joined by two members of the majority caucus, vehemently opposed the attempted override of the County Executive's veto. The members who sought to sustain the veto argued that the voters, not the legislature, should ultimately be the ones deciding the size of the legislature and length of terms for Erie County Legislators. "This law is not real reform. It is a guise for legislators to double the length of their terms while minimally reducing the size of the legislature. Rather than reform, this law offers politics as usual. I am pleased that the County Executive vetoed this law and I support his veto," stated Legislator John J. Mills - 13th District.

"I believe that downsizing and term length are separate issues and should be treated as such on any referendum offered to voters. That is why I support the County Executive's veto. The Erie County Legislature can be effectively governed and carry out its Charter mandated duties by a nine member body. I proposed giving voters a real choice about the size of their government, not an ultimatum," stated Legislator Raymond W. Walter - 4th District.

"We need real reform in Erie County government, not window dressing. This is about improving efficiency and providing the taxpayers with the best options, not protecting a high paying part time job and making constituents foot the bill," added Legislator Edward A. Rath - 15th District. "I look forward to revisiting this issue and offering voters a choice on real reform, still adhering to the time table of reducing the size of the legislature in time for redistricting."

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