As your Erie County Legislator, I’ve been actively addressing several key issues affecting our community. Let’s start with the recent changes to Erie County-owned golf courses. For decades, seniors, women, and veteran’s leagues have enjoyed 18 holes, but this year the Administration made an abrupt decision to limit play to nine holes without consulting the impacted leagues. I introduced a resolution to reverse these changes, highlighting that they were implemented without relevant or compelling data to justify their necessity. Despite my efforts to reverse these changes, my colleagues across the aisle did not support it and the Administration doubled down on enforcing this ill-advised decision. Rest assured, I continue to fight and advocate for your concerns.
Along the same vein, fixing county roads has been politically charged for several years. The Republican caucus introduced a policy that would require a 5-year road plan from the Administration in an effort of transparency and accountability. Over the past month I’ve been meeting with Town Supervisors across the district to hear their concerns, many of which revolve around roads. As I continue to engage with supervisors and highway superintendents, I’m actively collaborating with the Department of Public Works to address these concerns and ensure our roads meet the needs of our community. Some of the largest roadwork projects slated for 2024 in District 10 include but are not limited to mill and overlay work on Bowen Road from Clinton to Chairfactory, and Chairfactory to Bullis in Elma, and cold recycle with top course treatment for Vermont Street from Hillside to Hunter’s Creek in Holland.
Turning to the pressing migrant crisis, illegal border crossings at the Niagara River have been surging since late December. A program allowing migrants to fly from Mexico into Canada without a visa exacerbates the situation, posing security concerns for our community. As a border community, we urge federal authorities to address this crisis promptly and prioritize border security to safeguard our residents.
Earlier this month despite my objections, the Erie County Affordable Housing Act passed in the Legislature. This law takes power away from local municipal governments in determining what is best for their communities by granting that power to Erie County. Like the migrant issue, other government entities are deciding how our local towns and villages should be run, which goes against my belief in local control.
My office remains dedicated to addressing county-related issues and advocating for the interests of our constituents. If you have any concerns or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (716)858-8922 or email me at Lindsay.Lorigo@erie.gov
