Typically, when elected officials choose to ignore their constituents, they do it in a very quiet and secretive manner. Last year, Erie County voted overwhelmingly (62% to 38%) to reject the county executive's proposal to eliminate taxpayer oversight when it comes to extending the level of sales tax imposed by Erie County. With Erie County voters choosing to maintain their voting rights by such an overwhelming margin, one would have assumed that it would have been an end to the issue. However, the county Executive is trying a backdoor political tactic to get this measure through a charter revision commission in an attempt to silence taxpayer voices.
Every ten years, a charter revision commission is assembled and tasked with reviewing the Erie County Charter and making changes, as warranted. Since January, this commission has held some public meetings, including one in Amherst last week, where residents can share their thoughts and opinions as to what revisions they would like to be considered. The commission is made up of 19 members, including one from each Erie County Legislator, three from the Erie County Executive and one each from the County Clerk, County Comptroller, District Attorney and Sheriff. This commission makes decisions that will impact Erie County for a decade.
At a meeting in February, one of the County Executive's representatives on the commission submitted a recommendation to eliminate the required public referendum, should the Erie County Legislature extend sales tax with simple majority vote. This is substantively the identical proposal that was overwhelmingly rejected by the voters just four months ago. This tactic shows a complete lack of respect for Erie County residents. By trying to push the commission into doing this, it ignores the will of the people and disrespects the democratic process.
The Legislature approved the annual capital bond resolution at last Thursday's session. This year's bond authorized borrowing more than $60 million for various projects throughout the county. One project expands the sewer capacity along Transit Road, a necessary component to redevelopment, including the transformation of the former Eastern Hills Mall, the largest property taxpayer in Clarence. This annual process funds projects that have lifespans greater than 15 years over time, rather than paying all at once. Some projects have lifespans greater than 25 years and, therefore, can be financed over time. This year's bond resolution funds everything from sewer and wastewater improvements, upgrades at Erie Community College, IT improvements to county operating systems, and increased investments into road, bridge and infrastructure work. By having the bond authorization approved, we're able to cash-advance funds to projects and get them started earlier, knowing we have approval in place to borrow money to pay back the cash advance. After this winter, we need that flexibility.
As always, if you have any questions or county-related concerns, you can contact my office at 716-858-8676 or by email at Christopher.Greene@erie.gov.
