By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Erie County Executive Joel Giambra is inviting state legislators, members of the control board and union officials to join an eleven member commission that would explore money-savings measures for county government.
At least one union leader is saying he would serve, if asked by Giambra. But State Assembly Majority Leader Paul Tokasz said he doesn't know if it would be appropriate for a state legislator to serve on a county panel. Giambra said the state needs to be at the table.
"We have to continue to talk with the Assembly member in hopes of convincing him that the State Legislature is very much a part of this reengineering and restructuring of our government," Giambra said. "Remember, it was the State Legislature that decided a control board would be appropriate."
Giambra is promising that meetings of his commission would be open to the public and media.