County reduction vote doesn’t go far enough
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So the legislators unanimously approved reduction to 13 seats. It is deplorable they voted to extend their job by two years. You have to love quid pro quo. Why didn’t they also vote for a pay increase?
I agree with Erie County Executive Chris Collins; the public should determine both the number and term of legislators. It should also include re-voting for all legislators.
The most interesting part of this process will be how and what members are deposed. One must believe the county will be gerrymandered in favor of the Democrats to insure their future elections. My guess is the “13 member model” is the gerrymandering model.
Oh, did anyone catch the distasteful remark by Frank Mesiah, president of the Buffalo NAACP, in the June 25 News, on downsizing? He is quoted as saying “I have heard nothing about how a controlling majority of white legislators will, with reduction, now have control over the African-American and Latino communities.” Perhaps Mesiah should look at his mayor, chief of police, school superintendent, state senator, etc.
If someone from the Caucasian community made such a statement about African- American and Latino legislators, they would be castigated.
Kevin McDonnell
West Seneca
Published: July 09, 2009, 12:30 am