May 2016 Column - Opposing a county-wide planning board, increased elected officials salaries

I do not support a county planning board. This proposal has been kicked around on several occasions during my tenure in government and I suggest that it be put away for good. Currently the Charter Review Commission is reviewing the charter and the County Executive has proposed a county planning board be included in the charter changes. There are several reasons why Erie County would not benefit from a county planning board.

 

First, I am proud to represent the southernmost section of Erie County, which has villages, farms, factories and great people. From the Town of Orchard Park, my hometown, to the towns of Brant, Collins and Sardinia, everyone in my district has had a lot to say about this proposal. The leaders in those towns do not want a county planning board stacked with supporters of the Executive stepping in to remove the authority of local towns, villages, and cities to freely determine their own future and what is best for them.

 

Many officials and residents that I have spoken to oppose this idea including other members of the Legislature. Another layer of government bureaucracy isn’t what we need. Erie County doesn’t want New York State dictating our decisions, any more than they already do and we certainly do not want the County Executive doing the same. We know the frustration that comes with higher levels of government making local decisions. I believe local rule is best.

 

I trust that the towns can continue to make the best decisions for their tax base, their residents and their businesses to be the type of community they wish to be. It just doesn’t seem necessary to me; in fact I think it could do a lot more damage than good.

 

Another matter that I don’t support that has come up during discussions of the Charter Review Commission is increasing elected officials salaries. Just two years ago, in 2014 the Legislature unanimously opposed the Citizens Salary Review Commission’s recommendation to raise salaries with the support of most of those elected officials. Now the County Executive is again proposing the idea, this time suggesting it be accomplished through the Charter Review Commission process. I don’t support raising the salaries at this time. I also don’t believe the County Executive should be pushing his agenda for a salary increase. Hiking the pay for elected officials isn’t my priority when we have so many issues on our plate and a limited budget.

 

For additional information, please contact my office at 858-8850 or email john.mills@erie.gov