Weinstein will not seek re-election for seat in Erie County Legislature
Expresses interest in Town Board
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Dr. Barry Weinstein, said he has set a term limit for himself and will not seek re-election to the Erie County Legislature after 10 years.

In addition, the Republican from Amherst will not serve as minority leader during his final year in the Legislature.

Weinstein supported Legislator John J. Mills, R-13th district (Orchard Park, East Aurora), to fill the position, and the appointment was made official during Monday's session of the Legislature.

Mills' office said he was looking forward to serving as minority leader and working with the entire Legislature for the year. He is expected to hold a press conference in the next week announcing more details.

The only other Republican serving in the County Legislature is Michael Ranzenhofer, who represents District 4 (Clarence).

"I had an agreement with (Mills) a year ago that we would split the position," Weinstein said, adding that he expects Mills will run for re-election in November 2007.

Weinstein has served as the 15th District legislator, representing Amherst and Williamsville. He will conclude his fifth term on Dec. 31, 2007.

"I believe in term limits; 10 years is long enough," he said during a press conference on Jan. 4 from his district office.

When questioned about his decision to make the announcement 10 months before the election, Weinstein said he wanted to create a level playing field for anyone interested in running for the position.

"Just turning the position over to someone else is not my style," he said.

He said he has spoken with two people who he thinks would be excellent candidates. They are Williamsville Board of Education trustee Francina Spoth and Edward Rath III, a member of the Erie County Charter Revision Commission. He is also the son of Sen. Mary Lou Rath.

Weinstein said he has reached a point of frustration and knew it was time to step down from the Legislature.

He said he felt if the Republicans had more of a voice he could have accomplished more from his agenda.

After a decade in county politics, Weinstein plans to remain a part of the political scene.

"I am seriously considering running for Amherst Town Board," he said, adding that the position would allow him to continue to practice medicine.

There will be three positions in the 2007 election - council members William A. O'Loughlin Jr., Michael McGuire and Bill Kindel.

Weinstein also mentioned an interest in running for county executive but he said that would depend on the Republican Committee's recommendations.