Over the past month, there has been a lot happening in Erie County government—much of it with a direct impact on residents here at home.
One issue that continues to come up is youth hunting. New York State allows counties to opt into a program that permits 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with a supervising adult, and across the state, nearly every county has chosen to participate. Erie County remains the only county in Western New York that has not opted in.
Along with my minority caucus colleagues, I have co-sponsored a local law that would allow families in Erie County to take part in this program. For many, hunting is more than a pastime, it is a tradition passed down through generations. It teaches responsibility, patience, and respect for the outdoors, all under the direct supervision of an experienced adult.
The facts support it. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has reported that since this program was implemented, there have been zero incidents involving youth hunters, and the DEC has recommended making the program permanent. Despite that, the County Executive has indicated that he believes he knows what is best for 12- and 13-year-olds. I respectfully disagree. These are decisions that should be made by parents. Public policy should be based on facts and allow families to make the choices that are right for them.
At the same time, there are ongoing conversations about accountability in county government. A recent audit of the Assigned Counsel Program by the Erie County Comptroller raised questions about oversight and spending. This program connects individuals who cannot afford an attorney with private attorneys who provide representation in criminal and Family Court matters—it plays an important role, but like any taxpayer-funded program, it must be transparent and well-managed.
We are also hearing very different—but equally concerning—warnings about the county’s financial future. The County Executive has referenced “dead flowers and arsenic ahead,” while the Comptroller has warned of “doom and gloom.” In response, my minority caucus colleagues and I introduced a resolution calling for regular financial updates from the Comptroller and Budget Director. This should not be political—every legislator has a responsibility to understand where the county’s finances stand and to plan accordingly. That requires consistent, transparent communication. Unfortunately, this proposal did not advance out of committee and was instead held for further discussions with the administration. Oversight of the budget is one of the Legislature’s most important responsibilities, it should not be treated as optional.
As a brief update to an issue discussed in my last column, I have also introduced two resolutions related to rising energy costs and the impact of state energy policies here in Western New York. These conversations are just beginning, but the focus must remain on affordability and allowing people to choose what energy source works best for them.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. If you have a county-related issue, you can contact my office at 716-858-8922 or by email at Lindsay.Lorigo@erie.gov. You can also follow along on Facebook by searching Legislator Lindsay Lorigo for updates and information.
