Any actual movement will have to wait until sometime after 2010, but some Niagara County lawmakers believe the time has come to at least start talking about reducing the Legislature’s ranks.
Lawmakers John Ceretto, R-Lewiston, Gerald Farnham, R-Lockport and Dan Sklarski, D-Town of Niagara, are expected today to present a resolution that calls for the Legislature to support a plan to reduce its own membership once the 2010 Census has been completed.
The proposal, which will most likely be referred to the Legislature’s Administration Committee, recommends the Legislature’s roster be trimmed from its current size of 19 to 11, although the specific number will be decided based on future census numbers, redistricting and input from lawmakers themselves.
Ceretto said the resolution is intended to spur debate over how best to approach downsizing so that the Legislature is prepared to do what it needs to do when the time comes. With 21 municipal governments including the county serving a population of less than 220,000, Ceretto said he believes residents would be better served by reducing the number of elected leaders in the county and, perhaps, at other levels as well.
“The county has been moving in a direction to reduce government,” Ceretto said. “As legislators, we need to take the first step. We have to be the leaders. We have to set the example.”
Sixteen of the county’s 19 lawmakers earn $15,075 per year. Legislators in leadership positions earn a bit more. Majority Leader Richard Updegrove, R-Lockport, and Minority Leader Dennis Virtuoso, D-Niagara Falls, earn $15,575. while Legislature Chairman William Ross, C-Wheatfield, is paid $18,075 per year.
Sklarski said the resolution, while stopping short of binding the Legislature to any specific reduction in size, does provide a “benchmark” from which county lawmakers can work as they discuss the issue moving forward. Sklarski said he believes 11 lawmakers is an appropriate number for the county, but expects a lot of debate on the issue before any final decision is made. As for the concept of downsizing in general, Sklarski said he believes it will receive unanimous support.
“I would be shocked if anybody voted against it because I think you have to lead by example,” Sklarski said. “By example, you have to be willing to reduce your own ranks.”
Contact reporter Mark Scheer at 282-2311, ext. 2250.
Local News
NIAGARA COUNTY: Lawmakers eye reducing their ranks
- Local News
-
-
Giving new life to the Diana
An effort that started four years ago is now nearing completion to get the marquee and the lights turned back on and the curtain raised for a new multi-purpose community entertainment center usage for the historic Diana theater building.
-
Nothing to wine about
The third time was the charm for Wine About Winter, which brought hundreds of residents and visitors to downtown businesses and organizations and showcased a variety of local wines Saturday.
-
Stop and Shop opens
The East Center Street Stop ‘N Shop is one of 27 Medina businesses hosting wine tastings Saturday during Wine About Winter, and the new store will offer much more when customers come back to shop.
-
Showcase event
Wine About Winter, which is being held from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, brings hundreds of residents and visitors into downtown Medina, but local stores aren’t they only area businesses being showcased this weekend.
-
Uniform Processing uses technology to help lenders, borrowers reach alternatives.
An Albion company uses computer technology to help clear up confusing mortgage transactions.
-
Parties nominate in Albion contests
The Albion Democratic and Republican party caucuses held meetings to nominate candidates for two positions on the village board Tuesday, but the evening ended with only two candidates and some disappointment in the lack of interest in local government.
-
Local leaders have power lunch
Business owners and elected officials gathered Friday at the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative luncheon to discuss the current business climate and look ahead to the legislation that could help or hinder the local economy.
-
Prepared patriots
At mobilization ceremonies across the state this weekend, hundreds of servicemen from the Army National Guard were cheered on their way to training for a possible overseas deployment.
-
A church’s rebirth
The members of the Medina United Methodist Church plan to celebrate the rebirth of their community at this year’s Easter Mass, which church leaders said could be held at the partially constructed facility that will soon be the church’s home.
-
Legislature OKs terms for property sale
The Orleans County Legislature approved a set of terms Wednesday on the proposed sale of a vacant Medina property that was once a Jubilee grocery store to Zor Inc., a holding company affiliated with Evans Ace Hardware.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
