This winter season has highlighted the need for energy choice. Some Albany politicians have been pushing policies that are simply not sustainable, and they put lives at risk. Our electric grid cannot handle it. As we know, there are many older homes in Western New York that rely on gas heat and come with gas stoves. During the 2022 blizzard, lives were saved by those who were still able to heat their homes and cook with their gas appliances. Those politicians who are irresponsibly pushing all electric, with wind and solar need to put their constituent’s safety first. Giving people the choice of how to heat their home is the right thing to do, and I hope those who want to put their own agenda ahead of what’s best for the people they serve will re-think what they’re trying to do.
The concerns surrounding the Seneca Babcock Community Association are well founded, and I am glad my colleague in government, Legislator Frank Todaro reached out to the State Attorney General with a request to investigate. The organization has received millions of dollars from the City of Buffalo and Erie County, as well as significant money from private donors. It is incomprehensible that the director would not file 990 forms with the IRS for several years. This inaction led to Seneca Babcock losing its not-for-profit status. As a result, many programs have been shut down, including daycare, youth after school activities, sports, workforce development, senior citizen lunch and recreation programs. The IRS requires nonprofits to file 990 tax documents every year. Failure to do so for three consecutive years results in a loss of tax-exempt status. Records show Seneca Babcock last filed for its 2017 tax years, and missed filing many other years, as well. There is also a question of what happened to all the money. I’m hopeful we can get answers.
A few years ago, the Erie County Legislature passed, in bipartisan fashion, a youth hunting law. Almost every other county in New York State passed this law. Unfortunately, our County Executive vetoed it, citing safety concerns. Since that time, the Department of Environmental Conservation has come out with data that shows zero incidents since the law passed in almost every other county. We hope to put it through again, and this time Mark Poloncarz needs to put his personal biases aside, acknowledge the facts, and sign this into law.
It is always my honor to attend fire company installation dinners in my district. I appreciate the dedication and commitment to public service of these volunteers.
I also want to recognize Village of North Collins Mayor Vincent George. He’s retiring after 27 years of dedicated public service to our community. It is more important than ever to become involved and give back. Mayor George is a perfect example of selfless leadership.
I hope you had a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day. If you have a county related issue, contact my office at 716-858-8850, or by email at John.Mills@erie.gov You can also keep up with county issues by following my Facebook at Legislator John Mills.
