The investigation continues into the Seneca Babcock Community Association. I have many concerns regarding the apparent mishandling of finances and lack of filing proper not-for-profit documents. I question how the organization was able to continue operating for years, despite not providing proper paperwork that would protect their non-profit status. The negligence, whether intended or not, puts the organization at risk, and leaves many who rely on the services without. This should never have occurred. I continue to question why New York State Attorney General Letitia James determined, without even so much as a review, that no intended harm was committed, no money taken, and she would simply help them get their non-profit filing affairs in order. Any Attorney General faced with this circumstance should conduct a proper investigation.
I was pleased with the conversation held recently about Erie County opting in to the youth hunting law. The County Executive still maintains he will veto the measure if passed citing safety concerns. What he is not acknowledging is the fact that the Department of Environmental Conservation has stated that since all but two counties have passed this measure, there have been zero incidents. I am the father of five children. I understand how to properly teach them how to safely hunt. The County Executive cites his experience coaching of children in hockey as proof he knows how young people behave. However, I have hunted with my children, I have taught them how to do so safely, and I know firsthand what it’s like to properly care for and properly prepare them for this.
This winter was particularly challenging on area roads. If you have driven around Erie County, I am certain you have seen the many potholes. We need to address these issues as soon as possible. Erie County owns approximately 1,200 centerline miles of roads. We continue hearing from constituents that their vehicles have unnecessary suspension, wheel and tire damage due to the condition of county roads. They need to be maintained. Failure to do so is costly to taxpayers who are now faced with vehicle repairs.
The County Comptroller is suggesting Erie County help the City of Buffalo with its financial challenges. Unfortunately, we’ve been hearing for quite awhile now that Erie County’s fiscal health will struggle in the coming years. As such, it’s a bad idea to take from the county and give to the city. While the Comptroller mentions that significant dollars are spent in the suburbs on roads and infrastructure, he fails to mention that millions of dollars are spent on social services in the City of Buffalo. Providing that assistance is important but suggesting significant funds don’t already flow into the city from Erie County is misleading.
I am in full support of capping Erie County’s tax on gasoline to provide relief for many of our citizens. They deserve some relief at the pumps in these challenging times.
I hope you all had a nice Easter and Passover holiday. If you have a county related issue, contact my office at Frank.Todaro@erie.gov or by phone at 716-681-2071. You can also follow me on Facebook at Legislator Frank Todaro.
