Welcome Spring! It’s always reassuring to know warmer weather is on its way. We have one of the best parks systems in the country. There are many events scheduled in our parks. You can also reserve a shelter or building on the Erie County website, www.erie.gov . New this year, you can make camping reservations for up to 14 consecutive days.
During negotiations with the Erie County Executive over capital borrowing, our caucus was successful in our efforts to save millions of dollars for taxpayers. The Administration put forth a bond resolution earlier this year, seeking to borrow $56 million for 2024. He did so without first discussing the spending plan with lawmakers, and knowing the measure did not have full support of the Legislature. With an anticipated budget surplus from 2023 of nearly $34 million, we knew we could pay cash for various projects, putting less on Erie County’s credit card then having you pay interest on that borrowed money for years to come. By holding firm and forcing the County Executive’s hand, we were able to reduce borrowing by $15.2 million while still addressing important needs in our community. No project was sacrificed as a result of this agreement. In addition, we negotiated for more money to be allocated to the storm fund, ensuring money will be available to aid Erie County in case of weather emergencies. Over the past three years, legislators in the Republican caucus have been able to hold firm on the Administration’s spending requests, ultimately saving taxpayers more than $88 million in interest payments.
The crisis at the border continues to be a major concern. Despite claims by the County Executive to the contrary regarding conditions at the Texas-Mexico border, members of the bi-partisan New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) who were part of the same delegation making the trip to the southern border, described the situation there as a “war zone,” and called on President Biden to immediately address the crisis. In fact, the NYSAC President called the situation “dire.” The safety and security, not only of our country, but also for those seeking proper entry into the U.S. should be of paramount concern. The picture that has been painted by NYSAC differs greatly from the account recently shared by the County Executive.
Road construction season is now underway. As you know, in Western New York we have a short window of opportunity to complete many projects. Please be mindful of road crews to allow them to safely do their job. Roadwork scheduled in my district this year includes mill and overlay for Jennings Road (Genesee to Langford), Lenox Road (Jennings to Oswald), East Eden Road (Haag to Zenner and Zenner to Keller), Lotus Point from Old Lakeshore to Route 5. Oil and chip work will be done on Marshfield from Jennings to Route 75, Pontiac from South Main to Route 62, Genesee (75 to Quaker), Schintzuis (75 to East Eden), Zenner (East Eden to Zimmerman), Angling (Shirley to Ketchum, Brewer (Route 39 to Brown). There will also be work done on Clarksburg Bridge and engineering work on Lakeshore Road.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you. If you have a county related issue, please contact my office at (716) 858-8850 or by email, John.Mills@erie.gov
