This month, a consistent theme has come into focus in Erie County government. Too often, decisions are made without the level of transparency and accountability that taxpayers should expect. It is a pattern that continues to show up across major issues, and it deserves attention.
Gas prices are a good place to start. Families across Erie County are paying more every time they fill up, and as prices rise, so does the amount collected in sales tax. Government should not benefit from that increase. My Republican colleagues and I are pushing to cap the county portion of the gas tax so residents can keep more of their hard-earned money. If we have the support to pass it, this relief would take effect June 1 and remain in place until repealed. That is a straightforward way to provide real relief at a time when people are feeling the pressure.
Questions also continue to surround the Seneca Babcock Community Association. Millions of dollars have passed through the organization, yet basic documentation is missing and required filings were not completed. Despite that, the State Attorney General has claimed nothing improper occurred without conducting a real investigation. That should concern anyone who expects accountability when public and donated funds are involved. There needs to be a thorough and independent review so the public can understand where that money went and restore trust moving forward.
Concerns about accountability are not limited to outside organizations. An audit of the county purchasing department revealed serious breakdowns in basic financial controls. The same individual acted as both buyer and approver on transactions, contracts were signed without funding in place, and required documentation was often missing. In some cases, contracts were even executed after they had expired. These are not minor oversights. They reflect a system that is not being properly managed, and taxpayers are the ones left exposed when those safeguards fail.
Another issue now in front of the Legislature is a proposed policy for use of a county hospitality suite at the new Bills stadium. While discussions are just beginning, my initial concern is what is missing from the policy. There is no clear structure for independent oversight, and transparency is limited. As written, the process is largely controlled by the executive branch, which raises fair questions about fairness and accountability. These are details that matter, and I expect a thorough review as this proposal moves forward.
Erie County taxpayers deserve a government that is careful with their money, open in its decision making, and accountable for its actions. There is more to come in the weeks ahead as we hear the State of the County and close out the fiscal books for 2025. I will continue to keep you informed.
If you have a county related issue, contact my office at Lindsay.Lorigo@erie.gov or 716 858 8922. You can also follow me on Facebook at Legislator Lindsay Lorigo for updates. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
