The handling of the Corrections Officers strike by Governor Hochul and the Democratic majority lawmakers in Albany was nothing short of a debacle. The officers work in terrible conditions, are forced to stay on the job for extraordinarily long shifts, and without the threat of solitary confinement for bad behavior, they had no leverage with which to control the inmates. The corrections officers were making very reasonable requests. Now, two thousand of them have not only been fired, but the Governor says they are not allowed to work for the state. This greatly limits the options for the fired corrections officers, because so many other positions, not only at the state level, but the county level, as well, are considered state positions. These officers were treated poorly and deserved better.
The Erie County Legislature is calling for more transparency from the Administration of Mark Poloncarz. We approved a resolution last week calling for a legislative investigation into an incident involving an Erie County Sheriff’s chief and subsequent settlement. As the fiscal house, we should be kept apprised of all expenditures, particularly when there is a legal settlement that is paid out using taxpayer funds. I find it curious that we were never made aware of this expense, or if there was even a lawsuit filed. A government that is not transparent is not a government that is of the people, by the people and for the people. The Administration, the County Attorney, and all county elected officials, as well as department heads need to be forthcoming. I’m hoping this legislative probe will help us to better understand what happened and lead to greater trust.
Less than five months ago Erie County voters went to the polls to not only select the candidate of their choosing, but also let their voice be known on a proposition that would have allowed for a simple majority vote of the legislature to extend the sales tax. Your response was a resounding “no.” By a 22% margin, voters said they preferred a super majority vote to extend sales tax. At a meeting last month of the Erie County Charter Revision Commission, a representative of County Executive Poloncarz requested the commission to alter the charter and allow a simple majority vote of the legislature to extend sales tax. This is absurd. By trying to sneak this measure in by way of a charter commission, the County Executive is disrespecting the very people he was elected to represent. This commission is made up of 19 members, three who are appointed by Mark Poloncarz. They meet every decade to consider charter changes. It is my hope that they don’t undermine the will of the people.
If you have a county related question or concern, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 716-681-2071 or by email at Frank.Todaro@erie.gov
