By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Erie County residents are one step closer to having a say in changing county government. The Legislature Thursday unanimously approved a local law that would send a package of more than 30 charter reforms to voters in November.
The action is still pending approval of the County Executive. But the unanimous action yesterday is veto-proof, clearing the way for voters to weigh in on a host of changes in county government. Some are minor, but others would revamp accountability and tighten fiscal controls.
However, voters will not be allowed to pick and choose. The proposed changes would be put on the referendum as a single item. Legislator Kathy Konst was among a handful of lawmakers who voted for the law but objected to the packaging.
Still others questioned the legality of the process. Many of the items included in the package do not require voter approval. Chairwoman Lynn Marinelli rejected the arguments based on consultations with county attorneys - and what she says is the need to move forward.
The package will not include a last ditch effort by five lawmakers to reintroduce the concept of a county manager. Marinelli sent the resolution to committee.
Lawmakers did reconsider and approve raises for management in the Department of Sewage Management. Nine commissioners and managers will be raised to the next pay grade.
Click the "listen" icon above to hear Joyce Kryszak's report now, or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.