Democracy is about public participation in government, which is why Legislature Chairwoman Lynn Marinelli, D-Town of Tonawanda, decided to enact public forums to discuss specific issues with the Legislature and its constituents.

The first public forum was held Wednesday on the subject of the Help America Vote Act, which was instituted by the federal government after problems arising from the 2000 presidential elections. Although HAVA was intended to make elections easier and more efficient for states by placing all power and responsibility in the hands of the counties rather than of the villages and towns, in Erie County’s case, it has only deepened an already bottomless cavern.

The heaviest concern on the minds of the Legislature, as well as those who were present, such as Board of Elections Commissioners Dennis Ward and Ralph Mohr, are the rate of pay at which election inspectors will be paid for their time during this year’s elections.

Although the actual figure that is required by HAVA in order to make changes to the current board of elections is still unclear — it is estimated at $1.4 million — the dim reality is the money is not there.

“At the present staffing level, they are incapable of doing their job unless supplemented by part-time employees,” Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz said. “We need to know what the hard costs of HAVA are. That remaining number is the number that needs to be used in order to pay inspectors.”

According to Ward, the assumption by many is that election inspectors work once a year for a brief period of time.

“Some people think election officials are like Santa’s workshop. Well, Santa works year round,” Ward said.

On average, election officials work 16 hours a day, getting up as early as 4:30 a.m. and not returning home until anywhere from 9 to 11 p.m.

The rate of pay for election officials, which was discussed at length by the Legislature and is still being discussed, is anywhere from $160 to $180 per day, with election chairs receiving slightly more for the extra work that is involved with the position.

“This figure is not enticing for election inspectors,” Mohr said.

While Ward said he recognized the authority of the Legislature to do as it may, the result of an underpaid election staff greatly concerned him.

“If you say a dollar a day, we will have to live with it, but if you make it to low, we will all suffer,” Ward said.

According to Hamburg Town Clerk Cathy Rybcynski, who was a guest speaker during the meeting, last year’s election already struck fear in the hearts of election workers. In her opinion, a pay cut would only exasperate the situation.

“Election officials were very concerned that the county was paying them,” she said. “I was told if the county was paying, then they won’t work. The confidence level in this body has to be restored.”

While many on the Legislature recognize the repercussions of the current fiscal problems, it appears their hands are tied.

“I can respect the situation that they are in,” Marinelli said. “I make a point to go around and thank all inspectors for their service. I want to see that they are fairly compensated and also what Erie County can afford.”

According to Marinelli, the executive branch will need to look at the figures and see what they can build in.

“There is still much to be discovered,” she said.

Contact Melanie Larsen at 693-1000, Ext. 150.