COMPTROLLER CALLS ON ERIE COUNTY LAWMAKERS TO GIVE BACK PORK, PUT COPS BACK ON THE FORCE

Erie County Legislator Kevin Hardwick, along with Legislature majority, voted to defund police while adding millions in political pork spending

(ERIE COUNTY, NY) – Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw today called on Erie County Legislator Kevin Hardwick and the Majority Caucus to reinstate funding for law enforcement that they voted to cut from the county budget.  Those lawmakers instead used those funds to increase pork spending in their own districts.  Comptroller Mychajliw is asking Legislators to use their almost $4 million pot of political pork money to put back on the payroll as many officers as possible.  The budget, which passed by a vote of 7 to 4, adds nearly $4 million in pork barrel spending, raises taxes, and cuts funding to law enforcement. 

“Radical progressives like Kevin Hardwick unfortunately turned rhetoric of defunding police into dangerous reality.  Hardwick and fellow liberals voted to defund police while lining his political pockets with millions in pork barrel spending,” said Comptroller Mychajliw.

The Comptroller sent letters to every Police Chief, Police Benevolent Association and bargaining unit representing law enforcement across Erie County, stating his support for police and informing them of Hardwick’s and his Majority Caucus’s vote.  At the same time, the Comptroller is calling for lawmakers to give back their $4 million in pork spending to restore as many law enforcement jobs that Legislator Hardwick and the Majority Caucus cut in the 2021 budget. 

“The contrast is clear.  I strongly support law enforcement.  Police risk their lives to keep our families and neighborhoods safe.  Legislator Hardwick’s political party supports Black Lives Matter, defund the police, and stands behind anarchists that attack cops and burn down businesses.  Taxpayers should know the budget they passed harms the good men and women in uniform.  Majority Caucus Legislators like liberal Kevin Hardwick must reject defunding the police, give back pork money and restore police officers cut in the budget,” concluded Comptroller Mychajliw.

 For pdf of letter, click HERE

For pdf of release, click HERE