Before I was elected to the County Legislature, I had the honor of serving as a Town of Orchard Park Board Member. Because I also live and operate my business in the town, I was very connected to the people I served. Having that same connection as a County Legislator becomes more difficult because we represent several areas and thousands more residents, but there are steps we can take to make ourselves more accessible and involved.

For example, instead of operating a District Office in one of the six towns I represent, I visit those communities directly. When someone has an issue with a roadway, I go to the site. I don’t invite them to an office to talk about their concern; I go to where the need is. I attend town and village board meetings to answer questions about county issues, or to just listen and see what is happening in that community. I visit the libraries and talk with the directors about their needs and listen to their concerns. I attend community groups’ meetings, festivals and special events. That is how you learn about what truly makes a community thrive. Waiting for someone to stop in with a question isn’t how I do the people’s business, nor should it be how any elected official does.

As County Legislators, we need to be in the community, but unfortunately all of our sessions are held in downtown Buffalo at 2 p.m. on a Thursday. It makes it very difficult for residents to attend a meeting which is why the gallery is usually empty. At the last session, held on July 21, 2011, the Minority Caucus sponsored a resolution requesting that eight Legislative sessions a year be conducted in the evenings and at sites throughout Erie County.

We are accountable to every resident in Erie County and the citizens of Erie County deserve the opportunity to witness their representative at session. Serving on the town board I knew the importance of accountability very well. If I did something that someone didn’t like, I heard about it almost instantly. I believe residents are best served by their local government. We have seen the issues at the state and federal level and there is a huge disconnect between representatives and the people who put them in office. The county has an opportunity here to operate more like a town and less like the state, which greatly benefits the people.

Our resolution was sent to the Government Affairs Committee for discussion but my hope is that a meeting of that committee will be called and resolution approved. We owe it to all of you to be in your community, holding meetings and doing the people’s work.

The resolution calls for meetings to be held in towns north, south and east of the city during the evening. This is would a great benefit to all those we serve.

I am interested in hearing your comments on this issue. Please call my Legislative Office at 655-5650 or email jmills13@erie.gov.