The Erie County Legislature has voted against the Citizens Salary Review Commission’s recommendation to raise the salaries for the County Executive, Clerk, Comptroller and Sheriff. Legislators unanimously opposed the raises at the Nov. 6, 2014 session.

“Prior to taking this vote, the Majority Caucus reached out to our constituents to get their opinion. In an online poll, 85 percent of voters said they do not support the raises. The Legislature agrees and today voted down the recommendations, denying pay raises for elected officials,” said Chairman John Mills. “This is not the time for raising elected officials salaries when we should be focused on cutting spending and taxes.”

The Legislature voted on each recommendation individually, voting against each proposed pay raise.

“It would have been inappropriate to raise the salaries when many taxpayers haven’t received raises at their jobs because of our struggling economy. The Legislature could not support the recommendations. We must continue to support rebuilding our economy, cutting taxes and helping taxpayers,” said Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo.

The commission completed its report in October and recommended the following: county executive - $103,248 to $126,400, a 22 percent increase; sheriff - $79,092 to $102,400, a 29 percent increase; comptroller - $80,613 to $98,750, a 22 percent increase; and the clerk - $79,092 to $91,800, a 16 percent increase.

“The question has been asked if raising the salaries would attract more qualified candidates and I believe that those who chose to run for office should do so to serve the people, not because of the salary. Holding public office is a privilege and the salaries are known when someone chooses to seek office,” said Legislator Lynne Dixon.