Democrats focus on reducing capital spending
LYNN MARINELLI Legislature Chairperson
Among the new ways of doing business in Erie County, the Legislature is reviewing the 2007 capital project spending plan.

The Legislature is the fiscal house in Erie County. We are living more within our means in the county, and a reform-based, responsible capital spending process and budget are essential to this.

The Legislature's early deliberations will assist in determining an appropriate amount of borrowing for 2007. The borrowing is done on Wall Street by the county comptroller. Our goal is to continue enhancing the county's credit rating for attaining the best rates. The executive, comptroller and legislative branches are working cooperatively to limit borrowing, pay off past debt, and improve prioritizing and tracking of projects. The administration has proposed $44,685,000. This includes projects for the Botanical Gardens, Erie Community College, roadwork, the fire tower, the convention center, and the correctional facility's roof. The Legislature has already approved $2.75 million for Ralph Wilson Stadium, which is contractually obligated

and will be used for a new scoreboard this year. Also, $4 million has been authorized for the Buffalo Zoo's rainforest exhibit. At least 10 of the 15 legislators' votes are required for approval. The Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority also has approval powers under state law.

The Finance and Management Committee, chaired by Legislator Robert Reynolds, met Feb. 8 to discuss with the county executive, the county comptroller and department heads the amount and details of upcoming proposed capital projects. This discussion is one of the first steps in the Legislature formulating its capital budget.

Over the years, I have led the fight for more responsible capital project spending. While yearly department requests are three times the funding amount and many worthy projects are ultimately proposed, we must act prudently on approving bond projects that are needed and are as cost-efficient as possible. Wise spending practices are required in these fiscal times when we have to do more with less.

+ A Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Outreach will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 at the Kenilworth Fire Hall, 84 Hawthorne Ave., Tonawanda. The first 80 applicants who sign in are guaranteed service, and people should bring one form of identification (including a birth certificate, driver's license or Social Security card), proof of income and household resources, and they must meet the specified household income guidelines.

+ The Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District is offering its annual conservation tree and shrub seedling program sale and accepts orders of 34 varieties of trees and shrubs through March 16. For details, call my district office at 832-0493.