As the Erie County Legislature gets back to work on addressing infrastructure and other issues important to our constituents, I am pleased to have been selected Minority Leader by my colleagues. As we begin 2023 I look forward to conducting the people’s business in a spirit of transparency and collaboration. While some of us may have philosophical differences, I know we all agree on the importance of caring for the safety and welfare of the people we represent.
The devastating impact from the December blizzard, and where we can make improvements is certainly at the top of our list of concerns. I am grateful for the hard work of volunteers, first responders, highway and public safety crews. However, the storm claimed at least 40 lives and I know many families are hurting. We must review our storm response plan to ensure we protect Erie County residents.
The impact of wind turbines in Lake Erie is another issue I have been working on for many years. I am pleased to report that the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) conducted a feasibility study. NYSERDA has concluded; “Based on the totality of this analysis, this concludes that Great Lakes Wind currently does not offer a unique, critical, or cost-effective contribution toward the achievement of New York State’s climate Act goals beyond what existing, more cost-competitive programs are currently expected to deliver. This conclusion is based on a fulsome analysis of the resources development costs, ratepayer impacts, expected State benefits, transmission and interconnection limitations, infrastructure and supply chain constraints, visual impacts, and environmental impacts of Great Lakes Wind, as discussed below and throughout the Feasibility Study.” Also, “After completing the Feasibility Study and considering these various dimensions collectively, NYSERDA recommends that now is not the right time to prioritize Great Lakes Wind projects in Lake Erie or Lake Ontario.”
I believe this conclusion is a positive development. Our fresh water supply is our most valued asset, and we need to do all we can to protect our great lakes. This is also a hot spot for recreational fishing, and I believe this goes a long way in protecting our fisheries. Hopefully the Governor and state lawmakers will respect NYSERDA’s findings and not continue to push this ill-advised project.
Finally, in Western New York we are accustomed to embracing and celebrating all four seasons. With plenty of winter still remaining I would like to remind folks of Erie County’s wonderful parks, and the many great opportunities to make the most of our snow. There is sledding, skiing, cross country skiing, and tobogganing. The sledding hill at Chestnut Ridge is open 10a-8p daily, weather permitting. At Sprague Brook Park sledding is open from 10a-dusk.
I look forward to representing you and advocating for you this coming year. Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to serve you
