I was dismayed by the treatment of corrections officers by our Governor and some state lawmakers during their recent strike. Their sole reason for walking out was because they felt no one was listening to them. Forced double and triple shifts are not only unfair, but they are also unhealthy and dangerous. An exhausted and overworked Corrections Officer cannot perform at an expected level. New York State gave them no other option. The HALT Act meant some inmates felt free to act out how they wished, since they knew that solitary confinement was no longer a potential punishment. Now two-thousand corrections officers have been fired, and our Governor is stating they will no longer be able to work for the state in any capacity. Please understand that many government jobs, including at the county level, are tied to the state. This limits their options. I am concerned for them. Many have families, mortgages and other responsibilities. Again, the strike was out of necessity when they felt unheard.
The Charter Revision Commission, which meets every ten years to discuss potential changes to the Erie County Charter, has reconvened. They have held some public meetings including one in Amherst last week and in Cheektowaga this week. Each legislator appoints a member, as does each countywide elected official. The County Executive has three appointments. You may recall a proposition that was on the ballot this past November, asking if you wanted only a simple majority vote of the legislature to be required to extend sales tax. By a 22% margin you said no. That means the vast majority of Erie County residents wanted to continue with the super majority vote in the legislature to extend sales tax. Much to my surprise, a representative for Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz spoke at a February meeting, putting forth some charter changes Mr. Poloncarz would like to see. Among those changes was requiring just a simple majority vote for sales tax extension. Yes, less than five months after the people he represents told him no, he is trying to have the Commission do it anyway. This move completely disrespects the public’s voice, and it is a shameful manipulation on the part of this County Executive who seems to believe he can do whatever he pleases. I hope the unelected Commission understands the people have spoken.
The Legislature passed a resolution calling for a legislative investigation into an incident involving a county owned vehicle and a settlement that followed. Our main goal is to provide greater transparency. This probe deals with an incident from nearly one year ago. The County Executive and County Attorney, among others, knew of this incident, a potential lawsuit, and ultimately a settlement using taxpayer dollars. We should be made of these expenditures, and of the circumstances that led to these settlements.
A reminder that the DPW will soon be back out patching roads. Please watch out for them and exercise caution wherever roadwork is being done.
Remember to go to www.erie.gov to find out about great events taking place at our area parks. For any county related issue, please reach out to my office at 716-858-8850 or by email at John.Mills@erie.gov
