By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The Erie County Legislature approved the restoration of some county jobs during Thursday's session. Lawmakers authorized 25 of 111 vacant position that Erie County Executive Joel Giambra wants restored.
Democratic Majority Leader Lynn Marinelli says most of the 25 vacant jobs are supported by state or federal grants, and won't require new county funding. Marinelli says 10 of the vacant positions are in the County Health Department, all funded through state grants. There are also four jobs restored in the County Clerk's office that will include two in the Auto Bureau funded by a new fee.
"There are eight in Public Works for the courthouse -- all of which are 100 percent state funded," Marinelli said.
County Personnel Commissioner John Greenan says just two of the vacant jobs would actually involve county funding. But he says it doesn't affect the county's bottom line. Even though the vacant jobs were approved, two Republican lawmakers were against the restorations. Minority Leader Michael Ranzehofer says he was not given the legislation prior to Thursday's session, accusing the Democrats of withholding information.
"I don't even know what they are because they didn't pass out the piece until 15 seconds before the vote," Ranzenhofer said. "I don't know what those jobs are."
As the chairman began calling for approval, Marinelli said lawmakers -- as a whole -- were in favor of the restoration. But Republican Barry Weinstein says he was not part of that decision process conducted earlier in the day.
"She talked about how we made this decision. Decisions should be made on the floor of the Legislature," Weinstein said. "If they are made in closed door caucuses, everybody should be invited and allowed the opportunity to participate."
Democrats say as far as they know those being hired are not family or friends of Joel Giambra. The remaining 86 vacant jobs that Giambra wants restored will now go back to committee for further review.
The County Executive was not available for comment.