A common perception in any government, from town to federal levels, is that decisions are made behind closed doors; votes taken on the floor are done so without proper explanation as to their content and ramifications; and minutes from meetings are not publicized. Open and transparent government is not only expected, it is required by law.

New York State amended its Public Officers Law to require that “records, including a proposed resolution, law, rule, regulation, policy or amendment thereto, scheduled to be presented and discussed by a public body at an open meeting be made available for review to the public; requires such records be made available on the agency's website if it is regularly updated and they utilize a high speed internet connection.” In complying with the amendment, the Legislature also revised its Website to make it more user-friendly. Now, items from session or committee, as well as public notices, are easily available for review.

As a matter of habit, many bodies of government refer to items by only by their number, not providing those in attendance with a description of what is being discussed. By putting the agenda and each resolution online, we avoid some of that confusion and maintain an open-door policy.

Much of the Legislature’s business is discussed and handled during the committee meetings. Each committee report is approved as a whole during the subsequent session. Residents are now able to review each item, in its entirety, from the moment it comes before the Legislature. The Legislative Director for the Minority Caucus invested a great deal of time and effort to ensure that not only is the Legislature in compliance with the law, but that files are as transparent and accessible to the public as possible.

The Legislative agendas will now be posted 48 hours prior to session. Residents interested in reviewing session or committee items can visit www.erie.gov/legislature. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my Legislative Office at 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.

The Legislature has taken active steps to not only be transparent but environmentally conscience. During my first committee meeting, I was surprised by the volume of paper that is used for one meeting. It is very wasteful as much of it is thrown away or recycled soon after adjournment. By improving online publishing we can improve transparency and reduce paper consumption.

Last week marked Sunshine Week, a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Elected leaders often come under scrutiny for conducting business behind closed doors and emerging when decisions have been made. I am committed to prohibiting that practice from happening at the county level and protecting the people’s right to know. 

Through the use of the county website we can rapidly disseminate information, save taxpayer dollars through reducing paper usage, and maintain a virtual records room that makes locating a document as easily as using Google.

The business before the Legislature is the people’s business. How your tax dollars are being spent, what laws or codes are being created, or who is being named to serve you, is always your business.