One of the most important functions as Erie County Legislator, I believe, is to be out in the communities we represent to gain a solid understanding of the issues most impacting those towns and villages. That’s why I attend the various board meetings, to hear from both the public and their representatives at the local level. Most recently I have visited North Collins, Eden, Orchard Park, and Hamburg, and plan to continue my tour of communities in my district to hear how I can best serve you.
A salary review commission was recently empaneled to determine whether county elected officials should receive raises. While I appreciate their volunteer efforts, I disagree with their assessment that county legislators should receive a 53% pay increase. When someone decides to pursue public service, it should be about serving the people, not the salary. As county legislators we are afforded the opportunity to work full-time jobs. We have staff that handle day-to-day operations. We have residents in the private sector who struggle to get by. Can they vote themselves a raise? It’s not what public service was ever supposed to be about. These proposed raises come at a time when taxpayers are spending more to feed their families, fill their tanks and pay their bills. To expect them to then pay more for their representatives is unfair.
The proposed salary hikes also come at a time when Erie County is struggling financially. Despite the fact County Executive Poloncarz stated in his recent State of the County address that “I am proud to report the state of Erie County is strong and getting stronger with each passing day,” the reality is quite different. His own budget director has expressed concern about the deficit and dark clouds ahead. Mark Poloncarz has doubled the size of the Erie County budget. As the fiscal house we need to address these issues head-on so that future Administrations are not cleaning up a mess not of their making.
The County Executive has proposed a new public defender's office, a countywide assessor's office, and the creation of “Erie Corps,” creating new part-time jobs for young people. The millions of dollars in legacy costs that come with these proposals will burden future generations of taxpayers. The assessor’s office would take local control away from communities within Erie County, and Erie Corps is an ill-conceived plan to create jobs at a time when small businesses struggle to fill open positions. The public ambulance service created last year cost millions more. At a time when we are losing population, expanding government and forcing fewer taxpayers to pay bigger bills is the absolute wrong thing to do. We can’t continue down this path. This region can’t afford another red/green budget crisis, but if Mark Poloncarz doesn’t stop growing government, and Democrat legislators continue approving every spending initiative of the County Executive, we could face difficult times ahead.
A reminder that with the warm weather comes road construction season. Bicyclists and motorcyclists will also be on the roads. For the safety of everyone, please be sure to keep an eye out.
As always, if you have any county related issues, please reach out to my office at (716) 858-8850 or by email, John.Mills@erie.gov
