The Erie County Legislature’s Republican Caucus introduced a resolution Thursday, October 19th, in support of state legislation that gives local governments a say when it comes to relocating so-called asylum seekers. This comes after New York City, overrun with migrants and without the resources or clear plan on how to manage them, sent thousands to other parts of the state.
“This is an important piece of legislation. We didn’t elect Eric Adams to make decisions for us here in Erie County. He’s not our mayor, so it’s not fair that Albany and New York City are making judgment calls that impact our cities, towns and villages here in Erie County,” said Minority leader and Erie County Legislator John Mills.
The legislation requires the governing bodies of both the municipality and the county in which that municipality is located to approve a resolution authorizing the relocation of the migrants to their community. Additionally, the municipality wishing to move the migrants must provide thirty days written advanced notice to the community receiving those migrants. Failing to provide the proper notice would be punishable by a fine totaling $1,000 per migrant, per day, made payable to the Comptroller of New York State.
“This is necessary to give control back to local governments. We saw what happened when the so-called asylum seekers were brought here over the past few months. Cheektowaga town officials were never notified or consulted. We in the legislature did not know ahead of time. What we’ve seen were migrants who weren’t properly vetted, and in some cases are accused of horrific crimes that put everyone at risk. Sending them here is not New York City’s decision to make,” said Legislator Frank Todaro.
“This legislation can prove to be an effective deterrent. We have a right to govern in a way that best serves our constituents. This gives a voice to the impacted communities and provides for more transparency. It’s not for New York City, or Albany for that matter, to decide how we choose to manage the migrant crisis locally,” said Legislator Chris Greene.
“My colleagues and I knew this would be a problem months ago. We asked the County Executive to declare a State of Emergency then. He refused. This legislation allows for local communities to have a say, as well, so the County Executive cannot just unilaterally determine on his own that it’s fine to allow the so-called asylum seekers to come here,” concluded Erie County Legislator Jim Malczewski.
The measure passed by a vote of 10-1.