A serious issue has arisen with the Seneca Babcock Community Association where I found it necessary to call for an investigation. Because the agency did not submit the required annual federal documents for the past nine years to the Internal Revenue Service the organization’s nonprofit tax-exempt status was revoked because it was not in compliance. This has resulted in the organization’s closure, which means the end of youth services, the senior citizen lunch program, workforce development and youth after school and athletic programs. Some food pantries will continue, as they are operated by volunteers. But many seniors, young people and families are now left without a place to go. The organization has received millions of dollars from both the City of Buffalo and Erie County, as well as significant money from private donors. The fact that proper filings weren’t made, and there is no funding remaining, I found it necessary to contact the State Attorney General and ask the office to investigate why the filings weren’t done and where the money has gone. In addition, independent auditor Bonadio & Co, LLP noted a rare “Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion,” in essence saying they did not have proper supporting documents to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence and as such could not certify the report.
I am also once again pushing for the passage of the youth hunting law in Erie County. It passed previously in a bipartisan fashion; however, the County Executive vetoed the measure citing safety concerns. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a report showing no injuries and no issues with young hunters since other counties have passed this law. This shows the reasons Mark Poloncarz gave for vetoing this measure are not legitimate. Erie County remains the only upstate county that has not supported the youth hunting bill. The County Executive needs to acknowledge the realities associated with this measure.
There has been significant public outcry about Chad Campbell, a man convicted of murdering a 15-year-old girl and 17-month-old baby back in 1990, being released here in Erie County. Campbell was released from custody last week after the parole board decided to grant him parole. The New York State Department of Corrections decides where these individuals are released, and Wayne County, where the crimes occurred, did not want him. But many do not want him to live here in Erie County, and I support their efforts to place him elsewhere.
On a positive note, I would like to recognize Gary Costello for his two decades serving as president of the Hull House Home and Farmstead. He has done a tremendous job, and I congratulate him on his retirement. I also wanted to welcome new businesses to the district, that include the Buffalo Butcher Shop.
It was my honor to visit with Public Works employees in the Towns of Lancaster, Cheektowaga, and Marilla, as well as the Village of Depew. They do a great job taking care of our roads and infrastructure, particularly during these challenging winter months.
I hope you all had a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day. If you have a county related concern, contact my office at 716-681-2071 or by email at Frank.Todaro@erie.gov You can also keep up with what’s happening in county government by going to my Facebook page at Legislator Frank Todaro.
