By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-827162.mp3
Buffalo, NY – A push to reform the Erie County legislature is being taken to the public. The commission which will draft a plan for possible changes is holding a forum Monday night to get the public's input.
The push for change actually gained steam within the legislature itself. Over the past year or so, several resolutions proposing various forms of downsizing were brought on the floor. Ideas that have been floated by lawmakers and others ranged from calls to reduce the size of the body, to reducing terms and looking at possible at-large positions.
Last August, lawmakers appointed the nine-member 21st Century Commission to make recommendations. Martha Lamparelli chairs the commission. She said it is time to find out what taxpayers want.
Lamparelli said the public's comments will be considered and incorporated into the commission's recommendations to the legislature. A draft plan is expected by early June. She said if lawmakers act on the plan and pass a resolution, it would then be put in referendum to go before voters in November.
Lamparelli said lawmakers would be wise to heed the voice of the public - particularly since it likely will be an issue during an election year.
The forum is from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at the WNED studios downtown.
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