We’re nearly two months into 2018, and while control of the Erie County Legislature has switched hands, I’m working harder than ever to make sure your government remains transparent and accountable, as new Minority Caucus Leader. Checks and balances are vital to how government operates, and you deserve more than just another rubber stamp.

While checks and balances are important, I have always prided myself on being able to work across party lines to make sure my constituents are getting the representation and services they deserve. One of my biggest priorities right now is passing significant ethics reform at the county level. I am confident we have enough support on both sides of the aisle to pass the legislation I began crafting more than a year ago. If passed, this would be the most comprehensive ethics reform the county has seen in decades.

Ensuring government is transparent, and holding elected officials responsible for their actions is an important step in helping people continue to have (or in some cases regain) confidence in their elected leaders. Yet, time after time, Congress and the New York State Legislature have kicked the can down the road.  They have proven that the only true ethics reform they can accomplish--new rules requiring pension forfeiture for officials convicted of felonies--was only possible following a referendum vote.

At the county level, my colleagues and I are taking the issue very seriously and are happy to fill the void left by New York State. We’ve identified a number of changes that will help Erie County have among the strictest ethics rules in the state. That means eliminating the ability to accept any gifts of more than a nominal value, disclosure of any relatives working for the government or government agencies, and other disclosure requirements to increase governmental transparency.

Under the new proposed law, a slap on the wrist won’t cut it for an elected official who doesn’t play by the rules. Failure to submit a disclosure statement or knowingly submitting a false statement could lead to a fine of up to $20,000. Violations of the law can also be submitted to the District Attorney’s office and could result in jail time.

Over the next few weeks we'll be working to clear up a few parts of the bill in which the language might be a little too ambiguous. I have already proposed amendments to help that issue as well.  I want to make sure all loopholes are closed and the rules are clear. As I’ve said before, I don’t believe we suffer from many ethics problems in Erie County government, but it is important the letter of the law matches the spirit of it.

I believe we have broad support for this kind of reform on both sides of the aisle as well as the support of the county executive’s office.  I expect we will pass it very soon.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at 858-8922 or e-mail Joseph.Lorigo@erie.gov.