I hope you had a great summer. It’s hard to believe we are already back into the routines of getting the kids off to school and running them around to their various activities. The Erie County Legislature has also returned from the August recess. Over the next few months, we will be hammering out details of a 2024 budget with the Administration; a budget that I hope respects the taxpayers while providing proper funding for the organizations and services that impact our community.
This community has already been impacted by the migrant crisis. My colleagues and I in the Republican Caucus recognized the issues other cities are facing and tried to avoid a similar fate here by asking for an emergency declaration. The County Executive and our colleagues across the aisle chose not to take that route, and now we are paying the price. Two self-described asylum seekers have been charged with sex related crimes, others have been arrested for their alleged involvement in physical altercations, the destruction of a local establishment, and shoplifting. The Cheektowaga Police respond to calls at the local hotels housing these migrants on a regular basis. The disturbances are concerning, and the use of community resources puts a burden on agencies already tasked with helping other vulnerable populations here in Erie County. I hear from constituents on a regular basis, expressing their frustration and anger over the impact the crisis is having on their neighborhoods, while our own needy population in Erie County struggles. New York City long ago declared themselves a sanctuary city and passed “right to shelter” measures. We didn’t. Now that New York City is overburdened by their self-created crisis they want the rest of the state to step up. The federal government needs to do something about the migrant crisis at the southern border once and for all.
This past week we paid tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks. It is important to remember all the lives lost that day, as well as the many families impacted by this cowardly act. I recall that on September 12, 2001, our country unified like never before. It is my hope that we can find our way back to that feeling of togetherness again.
I want to remind folks that Erie County is always looking for good workers. If you are in the market for a job, go to www.erie.gov and click on “Employment.” There just might be something available for you.
I’m enjoying my service on the search committee for a new president at SUNY Erie Community College. There are now four finalists interviewing for the position. Our community colleges are important assets in our region, providing affordable education opportunities. It is vital that we make the proper decision, and as a committee we will continue to work toward that end.
If you have any county related issues, please feel free to contact my office at Frank.Todaro@erie.gov or by phone at 716-681-2071.
