I hope you enjoyed your Independence Day holiday. It’s a great way to kick off the best season in Buffalo. I hope you have a safe and fun summer. If you have a pool, please be sure to lock the gates and take all safety precautions. Keep your pets safe, as well, by keeping them well hydrated and off the hot asphalt.
Our fight against wind turbines in Lake Erie continues. There was a tremendous turnout for a rally at Sunset Bay last week. CAWTILE (Citizens Against Wind Turbines In Lake Erie) has done a terrific job in actively opposing these turbines. We have been pushing back on the ill-advised idea of turbines in Lake Erie for the better part of fifteen years. Our great lakes are our most treasured asset, and it truly is unconscionable that downstate lawmakers continue to try and impose their will on this community. State Senator Pete Harckham, who represents Rockland, Putnam and Westchester Counties in the Hudson Valley and companies like LEEDCO (Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation) are behind these efforts. If Senator Harckham favors wind turbines, he should advocate for them in his senate district. Special interests and money are behind these efforts. It is not their place to push laws and policies that will negatively impact our region. The installation of wind turbines in Lake Erie would not only negatively impact the quality of life for residents, but it could also impact human and wildlife habitats. Even the New York State Energy and Development Authority (NYSERDA) found that there were gaps in data that could ascertain effectiveness.
I sit on the Capital Projects Committee, and we are currently reviewing public works projects for the division of highways which includes road scores, and conditions of culverts and bridges. The committee will rank these projects in terms of need, importance and access to state and/or federal funds. The process will culminate with a request to the Erie County Legislature on what to bond for in 2026. My district includes several county roads, and I am always pleased to advocate for this necessary work.
I have received several calls about grass growing high on stretches along county roads. I know crews have been focused on making necessary repairs to many of the roads that deteriorate during winter. As you know, the window to do the proper roadwork is often a short one. Some crews will be shifting their focus to mowing. I appreciate you reaching out and hope the grass cutting will help alleviate some concerns.
Should you have a county related issue, please reach out to my office at 716-858-8850 or by email at John.Mills@erie.gov Thank you for the privilege of serving you.
