1^st District Legislator also named of the Erie County Legislature’s Economic Development Committee

Buffalo, NY – At the Erie County Legislature’s annual reorganizational meeting for 2020, Legislator Howard Johnson (D-Buffalo) was again named Chair of the Public Safety Committee for 2020. Johnson, who was appointed to Legislature in April of 2019, retained his position through the 2019 primary and general election. As the Chair of Public Safety, Legislator Johnson is committed to holding Sheriff Timothy Howard and his deputies accountable for the treatment of all detainees and for conditions in both the Erie County Holding Center and the Correctional Facility in Alden.

“The Legislature has been able to exercise some real oversight this year, and that work will continue. The establishment of the Erie County Corrections Specialist Advisory Board in 2019 was a resounding success for citizen oversight of an office that desperately needs it. The appropriation of funding for and the implementation of body cameras is another important first step in transparency. Going into 2020, we will also look to improve the quality of addiction treatment and mental healthcare in both County facilities to help reduce recidivism and senseless tragedies,” stated Legislator Johnson.

Johnson will also Chair the Economic Development Committee, while serving as Vice Chair of the Finance & Management/Budget Committee and the Community Enrichment Committee. “My private sector experience in banking gives me a strong financial background that will serve me well in all of these roles as we move forward in this new legislative session,” added Johnson.

Committees are held every other Thursday in the Legislative Chambers of Old County Hall, located on the 4^th floor. Information on the time and copies of the agendas are available at www.erie.gov/legislature.