This week, children across Erie County returned to school. Regardless of what grade they are entering, they will learn new skills that build a foundation for a bright future. There is a famous book “All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” by Robert Fulghum. Although I do not entirely agree with the premise, there is merit to the idea. In fact I learned a lot in K-12 that helps me in my role as County Legislator.

In kindergarten, I learned to respect others and play together. This is the basis of compromise and cooperation. Certainly, you cannot always get exactly what you want all of the time. But by working together, you can achieve an outcome that can benefit the most people possible.

Such a concept should not be lost on the legislature. We recently had a redistricting plan imposed on us by a Federal Judge because a compromise could not be reached in the legislature. Only a couple of legislators actively tried to work with me when I reached across the aisle to come up with a plan that would pass the legislature. This was disappointing and cannot happen again. We must put aside political agendas and do our job. The residents of Erie County deserve no less.

In third grade, I learned multiplication and division. I learned that when you multiply two numbers together, you get a single answer. Too often in government, there is a temptation to use fuzzy math to arrive at a conclusion that supports an argument, even though the numbers used may not be accurate or appropriate.  Next month, we will be presented with the proposed 2012 budget. We at the legislature must avoid this temptation and make tough spending decisions based on real numbers. To do otherwise is irresponsible.

In seventh grade, I learned home economics. I learned that a household cannot spend more money than it has and that if you need more money, you have to work harder or more efficiently. The legislature needs to embrace this common sense approach, rather than be tempted to increase taxes.

In eleventh grade, I learned civics. I learned that elected officials serve as the representative voice of the people. This should never be forgotten. Legislators must put their political interests aside and make decisions that will best benefit the people who they represent.

At the end of twelfth grade, I graduated with a foundation that led to me graduating college, starting a successful business, raising a family and serving my community. There is a lot to learn in K-12. Your Erie County legislators should recall those lessons. Doing so will lead to Erie County becoming a better place to live, work and raise a family, as well as create opportunities for our children to remain in Erie County and do the same.

As always, I am available 655-5650 or JMills13@erie.gov to discuss your concerns and the ways in which to improve our government. I look forward to hearing from you.