Weinstein pushes for STAR changes
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Dr. Barry Weinstein

Dr. Barry Weinstein, Erie County legislator for the 15th District, is frustrated with what he has called a "brain dead Legislature."

The end of January Weinstein, R-Amherst, along with legislators John J. Mills, R-East Aurora, the Legislature's minority leader, and Michael H. Razenhofer, R-Clarence, released their "7 in 07" plan that outlines the major resolutions they would like to see supported during the year.

Weinstein said he was strongly supporting a bill that would change the STAR formula to include sales tax that the county gives to school districts. It would request that state officials include sales tax revenues destined for school districts to be included in the calculation of the local share for STAR benefits. He said the Legislature would have to be brain dead to not pass the resolution because it has no down side.

"Erie County residents would see a $25 million increase in their benefit amounts. That $25 million return to our community could have a local economic impact of $100 million," Weinstein stated in a release to The Amherst Bee on Feb. 6.

During its Feb. 1 session, the Legislature received and filed the resolution, requesting committee review.

Weinstein has submitted an efficiency grant application to the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority requesting $99.45 for postage to send his resolution to community leaders and members of the state government.

"I am confident that this $99.45 request has the potential to return $25 million to the taxpayer(s), so confident, I'll pay for it myself," he said.

While Weinstein expressed frustration with the Democratically controlled Legislature, Legislator Tim Kennedy, D-District 2, said the process is about conversations.

"The recommendation was to receive and file for further discussion," he said, adding that the Legislature also has to compromise.

Kennedy said he would like to see the language of the STAR resolution addressed.

"I believe in moving forward with what is best for the county," he said about accusations of the Democrats blocking Republican efforts.

The Republican caucus's "7 in 07" plan also includes supporting a hard control board; reducing district offices from 15 to nine; ending the county's park agreement with the City of Buffalo; dedicating funding to road maintenance; and changing the role of deputy county executive to a professional county manager.

The trio sponsored a resolution on Feb. 1 regarding the county manager. It was also received and filed by the Legislature.

"Erie County government needs to be managed by a professional, not a politician," Razenhofer said.

The next session will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 in the Erie County Legislature Chambers, 92 Franklin St., Buffalo.