By JANICE L. HABUDA
News Staff Reporter

Proposed amendments in Erie County's Charter should be on the Nov. 7 ballot, speakers at a public hearing unanimously agreed Wednesday.

Although opinions varied on how much the changes would reform county government, most speakers said they hoped the process continues.

Six persons spoke during the public hearing on Local Law 7, a 51-page document boiled down to four in its "Reader's Digest" version. Warren K. Galloway presided over the hearing on behalf of his boss, County Executive Joel A. Giambra.

Charter revisions approved last month by Erie County lawmakers are awaiting action by Giambra. The legislators' unanimous vote indicates any veto by the county executive probably would be overridden.

The Charter Revision Commission's most radical proposal - transferring many of the county executive's powers to a bipartisan county manager - never got through the Legislature. But if enacted, the remaining revisions would enhance the authority of the independently elected comptroller.

Specifically, the comptroller would issue an opinion on whether revenue projections in the county executive's proposed budget are reasonable. Then legislators, by a two-thirds vote, could scale them down.

"This is not a perfect bill, but it's one that will create a better, more efficient, more accountable government," Comptroller Mark C. Poloncarz said. "I believe it is in the best interest of the people of Erie County."

Grant Hamilton of East Aurora, one of the commission's 23 members, said the local law "is notable for what is not included" - the county manager's job.

"This law does appear to include some of the recommendations [of the commission]. To that extent, I would speak in favor," Hamilton said.

"Some reform is better than no reform," said Alan Bedenko, a representative of the Western New York Coalition for Progress, who also urged Giambra to sign the law.