March 2015 Column - County addresses potholes, discusses proposed laws

While the end of winter brings much relief to the drivers of Western New York, it also brings a whole new set of issues – damaged roads. At the beginning of March, a new county email was launched allowing residents to report potholes on county roads. Please email potholes@erie.gov to make a report. You can also call (716) 858-7966 to make a complaint.

To check if a pothole is on a county road, please visit www.erie.gov/dpw and find the link “Erie County Road List.” The information is also available on my website at www.erie.gov/legislature/district10.  If you do notice a pothole, don’t assume it was reported by another driver. Please, take a few moments to email or call, especially if the pothole is in a rural section of the county to ensure it is brought to the attention of the Department of Public Works crews and repaired.

Another topic that has been discussed in the media recently is the Legislature’s vote to ban the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices indoors. I cast the only “no” vote because I believe the law is flawed in its final form, and in its procedural execution.

One section that I believe is lacking from the current law is a provision for businesses to  “opt in” or “opt out.” In Baltimore, a similar law was approved,  but it allowed business owners to decide if they wanted to permit vaping in their establishments. For businesses that do not want vaping indoors, the law provides them the backing they need to ask patrons to refrain from using e-cigarettes indoors. With the option to opt out, business owners can regulate their establishment and make the decision they think is in their best interest.

The law is subject to approval by the County Executive, who held his public hearing on the topic on March 18. His decision is expected to be announced soon.

In another local law issue, I have submitted a revised version of a term limit law that would not exempt current elected officials. My local law is similar to that of my colleagues in allowing the County Executive and Comptroller to serve three consecutive terms (12 years), while Legislators would be allowed six consecutive terms (12 years). However, unlike my colleague’s law, my law would take into account years served at the time the law is passed. For example, at the end of 2015 I will have served four years in the Legislature. If the voters give me the opportunity to return to office, I would be allowed to serve an additional four terms or eight years. My colleagues’  law would take all current elected officials to zero.

I am interested in hearing your comments on any of the above mentioned topics or other county issues. Please contact me at 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.