Majority Leader Lorigo statement on County Executive playing politics with military pay

Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo: “I am happy to hear the County Executive agrees with Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw, the independent Charter Review Commission, and the Erie County Legislature on supporting continued pay for active duty military members.  This idea was proposed several months ago, vetted throughout the charter revision process, and approved twice by the Legislature.  It is evident that by signing his “executive order” today, the County Executive is doing what he does best—playing politics.  Rather than sign the approved Charter Revision Law today to ensure it is placed on the ballot this November, the County Executive is cherry picking positive ideas so that he can’t be criticized for not implementing them.  His continued disrespect for the proper legislative process is disheartening.  Unfortunately, this time he is using members of the military to shield his actions.

 

However, in doing so, he is flouting proper procedure.  As the County Executive notes in his own statement touting his “executive order,” the power to enact such a provision rests with the Erie County Legislature, as it did in 2002.  The County Executive does not have the authority to enact such a policy without legislative action.  For someone so concerned with the charter revision shifting his office’s powers to the Legislature, he certainly has no problem attempting to usurp legislative powers.  As Majority Leader, I will not stand for it.

 

Since the County Executive clearly has no intention of signing the Charter Revision law in time for it to appear on the November 2016 ballot, I will be clocking in legislation ensuring active military members maintain their rate of pay while deployed.  I intend to open the resolution up for co-sponsorship to each and every one of my colleagues, whom I’m sure will be more than happy to join.  We have all believed, since the day this idea was proposed by Comptroller Mycjajliw, that this policy is valid, necessary, and warranted.  In order to ensure proper procedure takes place, this action is necessary.  I look forward to my colleagues’ and the Executive’s support.