Posted by: Robyn Young, Reporter
Created: 7/13/2006 9:38:38 PM
Updated: 7/13/2006 10:53:51 PM



It's all part of an effort to avoid another fiscal meltdown in Erie County, that led to property and sales tax increases.

On Thursday, the Erie County Legislature approved the majority of proposals to change county government, as outlined by the Charter Review Commission. In fact, the legislature approved 33 out of 44 ideas.

The proposals that deal directly with the power of elected officials are to go before voters this November in a referendum. First, those proposals must be written into local law, voted on again by legislators, then by approved by the County Executive.

One major item that was approved would boost the powers of the Erie County comptroller. The comptroller would be able to review budget estimates made by the county executive during the buget process, before the numbers go to the legislature. The comptroller would also have the new power to declare a deficit.

"If there are problems, I can declare there to be a deficit, and then the county legislature can act on it," said Comptroller Mark Poloncarz.

One idea considered by some to be the centerpiece of the Charter Review Commission's work was voted down. Ten legislators voted against the idea to hire a county manager to work with the county executive. The lone three Republicans in the legislature voted in favor of a county manager, along with Democratic Legislators Kathy Konst and Cindy Locklear, who broke with their party's line.

"One of the prime benefits, in my mind, of a county manager is that we can (could) start to depoliticize the administration of the government. We can (could) start to really dig away at all of the political patronage jobs that are rampant in county government," said Legislator Cindy Locklear(D).

Ed Rath, Charter Review Commission member, said he was pleased the legislature approved most of their ideas, but he added, "The reason why I'm a little bit disappointed today is I truly believe a county manager and professional management of government in Erie County is truly in the best interest of our taxpayers."

Legislature Chairperson Lynn Marinelli said the majority of voters in her district did not like the idea of a county manager.

"I had vowed I will not put something before voters that had a potential price tag," Chairperson Marinelli said.

The Charter Review Commission had hoped that all of their recommendations would go before voters, and not just the ones approved by the legislature.

One hot button issue not proposed by the review commission- term limits.

Legislator Locklear is sponsoring a resolution calling for term limits. She attempted to bring the resolution to a vote on Thursday, she said to show where each legislator stands on limits, but the effort failed. Locklear said she will continue to push that measure.

In other business, the legislature squared away the addition of staff members to the Board of Elections and the added cost of new regulations.

Also, the legislature approved borrowing $12.2 million for projects including rehabilitation of Ralph Wilson Stadium. County Executive Joel Giambra wanted the legislature to borrow money for the projects, rather than use reserve money, so that the county reserves can be built up to improve its financial rating. Giambra had pushed for the legislature to borrow more money, though, $20 million.

Copyright WGRZ-TV, 2006