Economic development remains highest priority
LYNN MARINELLI Legislature Chairperson
From door-to-door visits with constituents to exit polls of voters throughout the country, economic development is the top priority. Voters expect their elected officials to work across branches of government and party lines to achieve results. Private-sector investments and partnerships with government are just as key to achieving success.

Erie County's future is dependent on an economically healthy and efficient place to live and work. I reached out to County Executive Chris Collins to forge a plan on Erie County policies regarding economic development. Given the importance of sound, measurable economic development policies, it is appropriate for the Erie County Industrial Development Agency to restate and redefine its overall guidelines for determining the granting of incentives.

It is also worth our collective effort to quickly identify, prioritize and implement county-related economic development policies and projects. In our member roles as ECIDA Board of Directors, the county executive and I reviewed these priorities to foster a policy decision-making framework:

1. Merging of economic development agencies, particularly Amherst and Erie County.

2. Prioritizing the assistance for high potential industrial or service-sector job growth (information technologies, biomedical, cultural tourism and waterfront commercialization).

3. Assisting with new jobs for existing companies and job retention, as well as small business expansion, particularly Buffalo-based firms.

4. Monitoring and routine reporting of individual project-funded job creation.

5. Collaborating and partnering with the Empire State Development Corporation.

6. Creating a shared agenda with workforce development areas, including Erie Community College and the Buffalo & Erie County Workforce Investment Board.

7. Determining county capital projects and investments in regional infrastructure.

With Gov. Eliot Spitzer's proposed state funding for upstate regional economic development, establishing a working relationship and finding ways to complement county incentives with state objectives are most important toward our shared agenda. As a member of the New York State Association of Counties' Economic Development, Environment and Rural Affairs Standing Committee, my recent work in Albany produced a resolution that was passed unanimously at the NYSAC committee and in the County Legislature.

Erie County government will work together to improve the economic conditions,

concentrating on strong, prudent development that benefits the region. As always, comments on Erie County's economic development and other matters are encouraged. My constituents can contact me at Marinelli@erie.gov.