The Erie County Legislature’s Majority Caucus voted in favor of Chairman John Mills’ resolution calling for amendments to the Erie County Charter to reform the county’s Ethics Board and revises political donation allowances.

“This past year the Legislature has focused on ethics reform and this revision to the Charter will be a good start in the right direction. The current Board of Ethics is not doing enough and I believe my proposed changes will create a more independent board that will be able to investigate and go after county officials that violate the rules. Those found guilty will face tougher penalties if the revisions are accepted by voters in the fall,” said Chairman Mills. “It also closes the ‘LLC loophole’ that limits the amount any one LLC can donate politically in a calendar year. Currently, individual donors can exceed the allowance by donating under several LLC names and this amendment reforms that practice.”

The recommendation, approved 11-0 by the Legislature, will become part of a local law that will be on the November 2016 ballot for voter approval.