This idea has been in my platform since I thought about running for local office. With the population loss the need for 15 legislators is obsolete. 9 is plenty and I think that the $700,000 figure is low. Of course proposing this and actually seeing this come to a vote in the Democrat controlled Legislature is a completely different subject.

The Democrats like big government and all the government jobs they can give to their campaign workers and staff. They could care less about saving the taxpayers a dime. It’s all about them and until we can get people in there with a different mindset things will not change.

WNED: Legislature Republicans Propose Downsizing (2008-07-18)

BUFFALO (2008-07-18) With an eye toward greater efficiency and cost savings, members of the Erie County Legislature’s minority caucus today announced a plan to cut the size of the legislature from fifteen members to nine by 2011.

The proposal calls first for a non-partisan re-districting commission which would review 2010 census figures as it carves the county into nine legislative districts.

The idea was jointly announced by Republican legislators Michael Ranzenhofer, John Mills and Edward Rath III, but Rath was quick to compliment a non-elected official for his commitment to improving government.

“I applaud Kevin Gaughan and the hard work he has done going around Erie County, going into the different towns and the villages and raising awareness of the importance of downsizing,” Rath said.

“We can show some leadership…and that can set an important example,” Rath added.

Similar proposals have failed in the past, but Republican John Mills feels that this effort will succeed. He says the necessary bi-partisan cooperation exists to back the plan, led by the pledged support of Democratic legislator Tom Loughran

“There’s a crack in the armor here where Democrats and Republicans are joining together to do something good for Erie County residents,” Mills said.

It was also noted that another two, unnamed Democrats have indicated they would support the reduction, which could save taxpayers $700,000 annually.