Democrats Introduce Independent Redistricting Legislation
Proposal to be considered at Agenda Charter committee meeting on January 3rd
Rochester, New York – December 21, 2010: Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature have submitted legislation to enact a non-partisan, independent process for redrawing County Legislature district lines in 2011. Similar legislation has previously been adopted in Ulster, Nassau and Suffolk counties.
The proposal would reform the Legislative Redistricting Commission, which currently consists of three members of the majority party and two members of the minority party, resulting in gerrymandering to benefit one party over the other. The committee would be expanded to 10 members, with 5 appointments from each party, including: four retired judges, two public policy advocates, two minority advocates and the Republican and Democratic Election Commissioners to redraw the district lines and present a plan to the legislature. The legislature must still approve the new lines, but would not be able to modify the commission’s plan.
Deputy Democratic Leader Vincent Esposito (D-Irondequoit), said, “Independent redistricting enjoys wide support in our community across all political parties. The current partisan process must be replaced by a non-partisan, independent commission that can act in a manner consistent with the public’s wishes to create fair, impartial districts that result in more competitive elections and elected officials more responsive to the people they serve.”
The proposal will be considered during the January 3 meeting of the Legislature’s Agenda Charter Committee, which begins at 5:30 pm. The public is invited to attend and offer comments on the proposal, which can be viewed HERE.
Democratic Leader Ted O’Brien (D-Irondequoit) said, “By doing away with the status quo of having politicians draw their own district lines, we will be putting into law a process that our community supports and that would ensure a fair redistricting process not just in 2011, but every ten years thereafter no matter which party has control of the legislature. Clearly this is a goal that all representatives should be able to rally behind.”
Following the 2010 census, all legislative districts must be redrawn to comply with population shifts. For the Monroe County Legislature this means redistricting must be completed by May 2011 at the latest because all 29 seats are up for election in November 2011.
Last month, a community coalition announced their support of local independent redistricting. Go to www.FairDistrictMonroe.com to learn more about the issue and the coalition.
Democrats Announce $2.9 Million Tax Cut: Completely Rolls Back Increase in Tax Levy
Rochester, New York – December 13, 2010: For the second consecutive year, Democrats in the County Legislature have proposed a tax cut to the County Executive’s proposed budget. Today, Democrats announced a $2.9 million tax cut, which would eliminate the increase in the property tax levy proposed by the Brooks Administration, bringing the county property tax rate down from $8.99 per thousand in value to $8.91 per thousand. The tax cut is funded by eliminating raises for political appointees, the highest paid managers, and several departmental efficiencies.
The cut would completely eliminate the increase in the 2010 property tax levy proposed by Executive Maggie Brooks. Since the current County Executive was elected, the tax levy has increased by more than $69 million dollars—a 25% increase.
“This tax cut would be a welcome relief to taxpayers in our county. During these difficult economic times, we owe it to them to do all we can to responsibly reduce spending and taxes,” said Democratic Leader Ted O’Brien (D-Irondequoit). “We certainly hope our colleagues in the majority will see that taxpayers deserve a reprieve more than political appointees and the highest paid managers deserve pay hikes.”
Democratic Legislator and Ranking Minority Member on the Ways and Means Committee, Paul Haney (D-Rochester) and Minority Leader Ted O’Brien, will be available for interview by appointment today. Those interested in setting up an interview should contact Joe Rittler at 585-753-1910.
Lightfoot Hosts ‘Cut the Violence’ Event Today: Offering Free Haircuts, Youth & Family Services, and Free HIV Testing
Rochester, New York – December 6, 2010: Monroe County Legislator Willie Joe Lightfoot (D-Rochester) is hosting a Cut the Violence event today, Monday, December 6, 2010 from 4-8 pm at New Creations Unisex Shop, located at 647 Jefferson Avenue. Cut the Violence will offer free haircuts to children ages 10-18 (accompanied by a parent or guardian). Free toys will be provided by the Pirate Toy Foundation during the event.
This year’s event is focusing on the disturbing trends that have recently been reported by the Monroe County Department of Public Health. Tragically, nearly half of the 60 new cases of HIV reported in the first 9 months of this year were among people younger than 25. Between 2007 and 2010, 87% of new cases of HIV were in males, and of those new cases, 65 percent were among African-Americans.
“These numbers are extremely distressing and require swift, thorough action,” Legislator Lightfoot said. “Today’s young people do not remember the AIDS epidemic that gripped the nation in the 1980s and 90s. At least 1 in 5 people infected with HIV do not even know it.”
Jackie Dozier of the Minority AIDS Initiative Program at AIDS Care Rochester will be at the event with a mobile lab unit, offering free and confidential testing from 4pm to 6pm. Results will be available 20 minutes after testing. AIDS Care is the leading provider of HIV/AIDS services in Rochester and the Finger Lakes and was formed by the January 2010 merger of AIDS Community Health Center and AIDSRochester. “Please, come to this event – regardless of your age – and get tested for free,” Lightfoot urged.
Ultimately, Cut the Violence aims to link community service agencies with local barbers and beauticians who are willing to offer their shops as safe havens for young people in Rochester. Representatives from the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center, Pathways to Peace, Teen Empowerment, the Monroe County Youth Bureau, the City of Rochester Department of Recreation, Rural Metro, Monroe Community College, the Monroe County Healthy Neighborhood Program, The Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, and New York Life will be at the event offering their services and passing out information.
Democrats Elect Ted O’Brien New Leader in County Legislature
Rochester, New York – November 20, 2010. Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature have unanimously elected Ted O’Brien (D-Irondequoit) as the new Minority Leader, replacing Harry Bronson (D-Rochester, Brighton & Henrietta) who was recently elected to the New York State Assembly.
“I am tremendously humbled and honored to have been elected to lead my fellow Democratic Caucus members. With this seamless leadership change, I am confident we can continue our diligent work to protect taxpayers and provide a valuable check and balance in county government,” Democratic Leader O’Brien said.
“As I prepare my transition to the State Assembly, I am proud to be able to leave my fellow Democratic Caucus members with the very capable leadership of Minority Leader O’Brien. I would like to thank my colleagues in the legislature and the citizens of this community for allowing me the privilege of serving as their Democratic Leader,” Assemblymember-Elect Bronson said.
Assistant Democratic Leaders Carrie Andrews (D-Rochester) and Calvin Lee (D-Rochester) were both re-elected to their posts.Legislator Vincent Esposito (D-Irondequoit) was elected to the position of Deputy to the Leadership.
County Democrats Support Full Inquiry of Secret Airtran Recording
Rochester, New York – November 10, 2010. In response to media reports about a secret recording of high ranking county officials allegedly pressuring an auditor to change certain audit findings, Democratic Legislator Ted O’Brien (D-Irondequoit) offers the following statement.
“The issues raised in these media reports are concerning. We know that the Authorities Budget Office has turned the matter over to the Attorney General’s Office. We hope the Attorney General’s Office will perform a full review of this situation so that the public can be certain local government officials acted appropriately and ethically. The public deserves to know that the County’s independent auditors are truly independent and that high ranking county officials are not influencing the auditor’s final work product in a way that calls that independence into question. Such a review can restore the public’s trust that the relationship between the County and its auditors is appropriate.
“There remains the question, also, of whether the $2.5 million dollars that was to be applied to relieve taxpayer funded debt service, but was instead diverted to a private company, can now be recovered for the benefit of taxpayers - as was originally intended. In today’s economic climate, where taxpayers have reached their limits, that money is sorely needed.”
To view the story from 13WHAM, please see the following link: http://tinyurl.com/2umfuhp
County Democrats Respond to 2011 Budget: Brooks Plan Includes $20 Million Spending Jump, Includes Raises for Appointees
Rochester, New York – November 9, 2010. A preliminary review of the 2011 Monroe County Budget reveals that Brooks’ proposal includes a $20 million spending increase, $3 million tax levy increase, fee increases, staffing cuts and iffy one-shot funding to fill a $46 million gap. The multi-year budget plan contains no recommendation to fix the looming $109 million deficit projected for 2012-13.
“What taxpayers weren’t told today is that since 2003, county property tax levies have increased $108 million. A 45% jump. It’s no wonder Monroe County is ranked first in the nation for property taxes. Residents need relief, not more in fees and taxes,” said Legislator Paul Haney, Ranking Democrat on Ways and Means, “Furthermore, fiscal discipline does not include pay raises for political appointees while front line workers get pink slips.”
The Democrats’ initial response to the budget proposal, made this afternoon, included a commitment to analyzing the budget in detail, specifically for spending cuts that will eliminate the need for fee increases.
What the Taxpayers aren’t Being Told
Taxes. Since 2003, the Monroe County property tax levy has increased from $241.4 million to $349.1 million, growing by 45%, or $108 million. The 2011 budget includes a $3 million tax levy increase and a $1 million MCC chargeback increase. Taxpayers and local businesses will also be paying $3.3 million more for a number of fees under the Brooks plan.
Spending. The Brooks plan increases spending by $20 million. Part of this increase can be attributed to raises for political appointees. The human resources director/Brooks campaign manager could see a $20,000 pay raise under the Brooks plan.
Long term stability. The Brooks plan remains mum when it comes to addressing the chronic budget deficit. The County’s net worth has shrunk by 40% since 2001. The unrestricted fund balance deficit has grown to $300 million. The General Fund, as of 12/31/09 had an unreserved deficit of $3.1 million. The plan presented lacks fiscal discipline and ignores long term stability.
Budget Gap Plugged With One-Shots. The 2011 proposed budget fills the budget deficit by using one-shot revenue sources that will no reoccur in the future, as opposed to making the difficult decisions needed to reduce spending. This year’s one-shots include: $11 million in federal stimulus funding; $16 million from the sale of property tax liens; and $2 million from the sale of two county owned building.
Monroe County—highest property taxes in the Nation—one of the lowest credit ratings in New York State.
Lightfoot Announces State Support for Reducing Farmers Market Fees
Rochester, New York – October 26, 2010: County Legislator Willie Joe Lightfoot (D-Rochester) today announced New York State’s unequivocal support for reducing farmers’ market fees in Monroe County. Democrats have obtained a letter to the County from the State giving the Administration permission to reduce the fees. During protracted negotiations on this issue, Republicans have taken the position that the State was prohibiting them from reducing the fees, but the letter from the State shows this to be false. In compliance with the letter, Lightfoot intends to offer a proposal to amend the 2011 budget to reduce these fees.
“It’s time for this Administration to stop passing the buck and take action to reduce these fees,” Legislator Lightfoot said. “The State has given Monroe County explicit permission to reduce the farmers’ market fees, yet the Administration simply refuses to provide our local market vendors with relief. Because of this refusal to act, I intend to do everything in my power to amend the upcoming budget to reduce these outrageous fees.”
Monroe County currently charges more than $1,200 for permits to participate as a prepared food vendor in just one local farmers market. This fee is ten times as much as the amount charged by some of Monroe’s peer counties. The Brooks Administration has claimed the State is prohibiting them from reducing the fees, but, in a recent letter to the County, State Department of Health Officials told the County that the permit fees can be reduced. There are more than twenty farmers markets in Monroe County.
Michael Warren Thomas, a founder of the Westside Farmers’ Market, said “Farmers Market advocates have invested significant time in seeking a bipartisan solution to this problem, yet the Republican majority in the County Legislature has blocked relief every step of the way. For several months, they’ve been claiming they can’t reduce these fees because of a supposed State Dept. of Health mandate, but now we have documentation from the State expressly telling County officials that they have the ability to reduce these fees. It’s time they started listening to their constituents and work with Legislator Lightfoot to alleviate this ridiculous burden and allow small businesses to grow and add jobs."
Find atttached the letter from the NYS Department of Health and also the volume of letters of supportfrom the community for our proposal.
Democrats Call for State Investigation of Local Development Corporation
Rochester, New York – September 16, 2010: Democrats in the County Legislature have sent a letter to the New York State Authorities Budget Office (ABO) asking for an investigation of Monroe County’s latest Local Development Corporation known as M3S, or Monroe Safety and Security Systems. Democrats allege the M3S LDC was created under false pretenses, that the procurement process was flawed by a conflict of interest, and that M3S is deliberately using subcontractors to avoid transparency laws.
Democrats claim the LDC was setup under false pretenses to circumvent state and county laws requiring transparency of important government functions. As a result, needed public safety communications infrastructure upgrades have been delayed and will cost County taxpayers more money than necessary—as evidenced by the recent awarding of a $30 million contract, which was $11 million more than the lowest bid.
Democratic Leader Harry Bronson (D-Rochester, Brighton & Henrietta) said, “While my colleagues and I are strongly in support of upgrading public safety communication technology, the process approved by the Republicans which led to this quasi-governmental entity’s existence has been flawed from the very start. It is our hope that the ABO will take a look at everything that’s occurred to date and recommend corrective changes that will serve to increase transparency and accountability to the taxpayers for this enormous public project.”
Democratic Legislator Vincent Esposito (D-Irondequoit) said, “The expanded use of local development corporations by Monroe County should be of significant concern to taxpayers, as millions of public dollars are invested in these shadowy pseudo-governments. It is critical to have proper oversight of their operations. We believe this new public safety LDC was deliberately setup to evade state and county laws and is costing taxpayers millions of dollars more than necessary.”
Please see the attached letter and attachments to the New York State Authority Budget Office.
Democrats Call for Tougher LDC Law: Require 2/3 vote to create; Tighten oversight of $224 million public safety contract
Rochester, New York – August 9, 2010: Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature introduced proposals to boost taxpayer oversight of a $224 million public safety communications contract with M3SLDC and require a two-thirds majority vote to authorize the creation of any new Local Development Corporation (LDC).
Under current practice, the County Executive can establish a Local Development Corporation which can then borrow tens of millions of dollars for public projects with no real oversight—whereas borrowing by Monroe County is subjected to a two-thirds majority vote in the legislature. Requiring a two-thirds vote in the County Legislature to create an LDC will guarantee an increased level of scrutiny and deliberation of its viability for county projects and potential costs. Please find this proposal attached.
The LDC known as M3SLDC, short for Monroe Safety and Security Systems LDC, was put in place under the premise it would be eligible for special financing under the ARRA and that it would be able to facilitate the rapid installation of a interoperable public safety communications system.
One year later, the anticipated special financing has not been used and no communication equipment has been purchased. To address these and other concerns, Democrats have proposed contractual amendments that would allow legislators to cancel any contract for failure of performance or default, require M3S and any subcontractors to follow public bidding laws and require M3S to file annual financial statements with the Legislature. Please also find this proposal attached.
Democratic Leader Harry Bronson (D-Rochester) said, “These proposals will go a long way toward ensuring taxpayers get what they paid for under the terms that the LDC was set up. Time and again we’ve been told not to worry, everything is proceeding according to schedule, but now we’ve recently learned that the M3SLDC won’t be providing our law enforcement officers with new equipment for almost a decade. That flies in the face of what we were told when the Republican urgently rushed this proposal through the legislature using the guise of needing to use stimulus authorized borrowing and getting equipment in the officers’ hands.”
Legislator Ted O’Brien (D-Irondequoit) said, “The time for us to act is now, before another LDC is set up. It’s time to be proactive instead of reacting to some new allegation of waste or abuse. These proposals will be useful tools for this legislature and, more importantly, for future legislators who will need all the information they can get. This is a long-term solution to a foreseeable problem and we shouldn’t pass this opportunity up.”
Lightfoot Announces New Educational Opportunity for Residents
Jefferson Avenue Revive Education Initiative Introduced
Rochester, New York – July 26, 2010: Monroe County Legislator Willie Joe Lightfoot (D-Rochester), in conjunction with Monroe Community College, the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (REOC) and community leaders, is very proud to announce the Jefferson Avenue Revive Education Initiative, or JAREI, a new component to the Jefferson Avenue Revitalization Project. JAREI is a collaborative effort to get young adults off the streets and put them into classrooms and jobs.
“If the statistics show that the people dropping out of school are the ones committing the crimes in our community, then there should be GED programs on every corner,” said Legislator Lightfoot. “To that end, we will be partnering with community leaders to make as many resources available as possible to get people off the streets and out of the unemployment lines.”
The comprehensive JAREI program aims to help citizens in the community get their GED by employing a person-centered approach. Many resources are already available through numerous agencies; JAREI will offer mentoring for applicants to help focus resources to ensure long-term success. MCC has collaborated with JAREI and the REOC to provide a monetary and educational pathway directly from REOC to MCC, which may include admissions assistance at MCC and scholarships for those that qualify.
On Saturday, August 7th, the REOC will host a GED Assessment Project (GAP) event where those interested in getting their GED can be evaluated to see how ready they may be to take the exam. Based on the evaluation results, REOC Admissions Advisors will either schedule an individual to take the GED examination or will recommend free preparation classes for those that need further assistance.
Those ready to take the GED examination may schedule a time to take the test at the REOC, which is an official GED Examination test site. Upon completing the exam, applicants may be eligible to take vocational training in any of the thirteen programs offered by the REOC, free of charge. Those interested in this session of GAP must register with REOC by calling (585) 232-2730, extension 235, before August 7th.
Democrats Challenge GOP to Lower Local Business Fees: Current Costs Hurting Farmers’ Markets
Rochester, New York – May 26, 2010. Monroe Legislator Willie J. Lightfoot (D-Rochester) today called on his Republican colleagues to support lowering the fees for participating in local farmers’ markets. During a committee meeting last night, the GOP refused to reduce the fees from $450 to $150 for the market season. There are more than 20 Farmers’ Markets in Monroe County.
Legislator Lightfoot has been working with market advocates for several months on this issue and has received widespread support, from the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York and local market participants in Rochester, Brighton, Churchville, Hamlin, Greece, Mendon, Rush, Irondequoit and Pittsford.
“These fees are hurting our local farmers’ markets. It’s absurd to charge micro-businesses $450 to participate in a market when we have restaurants paying $170 for annual health permits,” Lightfoot said. “This gross inequity is hurting micro-businesses in our local economy and it’s about time that our Republican colleagues stay true to their own conservative rhetoric and reduce these outrageous fees.”
Counties across New York State are providing season long permits for anywhere from $30-$150.
Democrats have asked the Republicans for documentation showing the annual cost of inspecting these markets and the annual revenue derived from farmers’ market permitting fees. Democrats are concerned that the County is making a profit on these fees at the expense of community farmers’ markets.
“Last night Monroe County missed a chance to show leadership on this issue by reducing these fees instead of laying blame elsewhere and passing the buck. But the bottom line is simple: either our Republican colleagues support local micro-businesses or they don’t,” Lightfoot added.
The proposal will also be considered again tonight at 6:00 pm during the Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee meeting.
Lightfoot Proposal Leads to Farmers’ Market Permit Reforms
Rochester, New York – May 11, 2010. Monroe County Legislator Willie Lightfoot (D-Rochester) announced today that his proposal to reduce county permit fees for local Farmers’ Market vendors has led to a bipartisan introduction.
For more than six months, Legislator Lightfoot has been working with local market organizers to reach a solution to the problem concerning the unnecessarily high fee structure. These discussions will continue while the current proposal goes through the committee process, where further revisions are expected based on feedback from market organizers.
“I am pleased the discussion about reforming this cost-prohibitive permitting process is moving forward, but I am hoping that my colleagues will be open to further compromise and agree to take the fee schedule lower. I will do all that I can to grow businesses in our community,” said Legislator Lightfoot. “Small businesses participating in local farmers’ markets should not have to pay more than Rochester’s finest 5-star restaurants for a simple health department permit.”
“The Westside Farmers Market has been working on this for months and is pleased that the Legislature is making an effort to address this problem. However, we are still not where we need to be. We will continue to work with the Legislature to come to an amicable solution” said Jackie Farrell, organizer of the Westside Farmers Market.
In March 2010, Legislator Lightfoot proposed reducing fees for Farmers’ Market permits. Legislator Lightfoot and Democratic Caucus members are pleased that their Republican colleagues announced their support just this week.
Please find the bipartisan proposal by clicking here.
Democrats Call for Vote on Proposal to Reduce the Size of the County Legislature
Rochester, New York – April 13, 2010. Democrats in the County Legislature today offered the GOP a final chance to approve a proposal to reduce the size of the Legislature from 29 to 15 members, saving more than one million dollars over just the first two years. The proposal calls for a public referendum to take place in November 2010. The offer was rejected by the GOP on a straight party line vote.
Legislator Vincent Esposito (D-Irondequoit) said, “Taxpayers have made it clear they want to see real spending cuts. Conservative estimates showed a minimum of one million dollars in recurring savings that would have begun to chip away at the massive structural deficit looming over the next 2 years – without adversely impacting public services. I am truly disappointed that my Republican colleagues did not support this cost saving measure.”
Democratic Leader Harry Bronson (D-Rochester, Brighton & Henrietta) said, “This proposal was a win-win for taxpayers in our County. We provided our Republican colleagues with well over a month to consider this cost savings proposal, yet they still refused to put partisanship aside and let Monroe County voters decide the proposal’s ultimate fate. Our community certainly deserves better than that.”
The proposal would have brought Monroe County in line with peer counties in terms of the number of constituents per legislative district. Currently there are about 25,000 people living in each district, whereas Monroe’s peer counties average slightly more than 50,000 per district. After enactment, Monroe would have had roughly 50,000 people living in each district.
GOP Blocks Public Vote on Legislature Size
Rochester, New York – March 22, 2010. A Democratic proposal calling for a public referendum to reduce the size of the County Legislature from 29 to 15 seats, saving more than one million dollars over just the first two years, was defeated this evening by a 3-2 party line vote at the Legislature’s Agenda Charter Committee meeting.
Democratic Legislator Vincent Esposito (D-Irondequoit), the proposal’s sponsor, said “I am very disappointed that three members of the Republican majority are preventing the public from voting on this proposal. I urge them and all my colleagues to reconsider this idea in the near future so we can begin the hard work of fixing the County budget crisis by demonstrating the self-sacrifice that taxpayers deserve.”
Democrats Proposal Would Streamline Farmers’ Market Permits
Rochester, New York – March 9, 2010. Democrats in the County Legislature today unveiled a proposal to streamline the process for obtaining farmers’ market permits by creating a new seasonal permit to allow local eateries to participate in farmers’ markets throughout the market season. The proposal would reduce costs for local farmers and small businesses by as much as $1,450 a year.
Under current law, farmers and other market vendors are forced to reapply for a permit every two weeks at a cost of $115. Vendors participating in a market from early spring through late fall would have to pay as much as $1,600 for these permits. The Democratic proposal would provide a full season permit for $150, saving these farmers and small business owners as much as $1,450 a year.
Democratic Legislator Willie J. Lightfoot (D-Rochester), the legislation’s sponsor, said “This proposal would reduce the costs for small businesses in our community and eliminate the need to constantly reapply for these permits. If a farmer or other small business owner wants to participate in a local farmers market, then we should make the process as cost effective, safe and timely as we can; this proposal does just that.”
To view the proposal, click HERE.
Democrats Propose Residential Property Improvement Tax Relief
Rochester, New York – March 5, 2010. Democratic Leader Harry Bronson and his fellow Democrats in the County Legislature today submitted a proposal offering residential property homeowners an exemption from property taxes when homeowners make improvements that increase the assessed value of their properties. The proposal will encourage improvement to the housing stock in the County while allowing qualified homeowners to not suffer the adverse impact of increased taxes resulting from an increase in the property’s assessed value.
Democratic Leader Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester, Brighton & Henrietta) said, “This proposal will provide homeowners an opportunity to increase the value of their property through improvements without having to be penalized by increased county property taxes. Under this proposal, local residents will be allowed to add value to their homes while at the same time receiving much needed property tax relief.”
“We believe this tax relief program will increase economic activity through more frequent home improvement projects and provide much needed jobs to our local residents in the construction industry,” Bronson added.
Please find the proposal HERE.
Democrats Call for Reducing Size of Legislature, Public Referendum
Over $1 Million in Recurring Savings
Rochester, New York – February 25, 2010. Democrats in the County Legislature today unveiled a proposal to reduce the size of the Legislature, saving more than one million dollars over just the first two years. The proposal calls for a public referendum to take place in November 2010. This is the first of several cost reduction ideas that Democrats will be rolling out in coming months.
Democratic Leader Harry Bronson (D-Rochester, Brighton & Henrietta) said, “Instead of simply passing the buck or calling for cuts elsewhere, we thought it is important to lead by example. That’s why we’re calling for a structural reduction in the size of the Legislature to reduce the bloated size of this county government and bring us in line with our peers, all while saving one million dollars in taxpayer funds each legislative cycle. Most importantly, putting the proposal to referendum allows Monroe County residents to directly vote on the size of their County Legislature.”
The Democratic proposal calls for reducing the Legislature from the current 29 members down to 15 members as part of the 2010 redistricting process. Counties with populations similar to Monroe, such as Erie, Westchester, Suffolk, Onondaga and Nassau, each have legislatures with between 15 and 19 members.
Legislator Ted O’Brien (D-Irondequoit) said, “This proposal is a win-win for taxpayers in our County. We are introducing this now to be as inclusive as possible, providing our Republican colleagues and the community with almost a month before the first committee vote so they may evaluate the merits of our proposal.”
Legislator Vincent Esposito (D-Irondequoit) said, “Taxpayers have made it clear they want to see real spending cuts. Conservative estimates show a minimum of one million dollars in recurring savings that will begin to chip away at the massive structural deficit looming over the next 2 years – without adversely impacting public services.”
The proposal will bring Monroe County in line with peer counties in terms of the number of constituents per legislative district. Currently there are about 25,000 people living in each district, whereas Monroe’s peer counties average slightly more than 50,000 per district. After enactment, Monroe would have roughly 50,000 people living in each district. Upon voter approval in November 2010, this proposal would take effect on January 1, 2012, following the redistricting process.
To review the proposal, click HERE.
Democrats: Gumina Needs to Answer to Community, Not GOP
Rochester, New York – February 6, 2010. Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature expressed obvious disappointment with the news that Carmen Gumina will join the Republican Caucus in the Legislature. However, Democrats added that because Gumina was elected as a Democrat, he will need to explain to his constituents why he voted against so many Republican proposals.
Democratic Leader Harry Bronson (D-Rochester) said, “Of course we are feeling more than a bit betrayed by Carm Gumina’s decision to abandon not only our caucus but his own constituents who elected him into office as a Democrat. Carm Gumina needs to explain to his constituents why he has taken this action. Frankly, it defies logic how a person who has dedicated his life to education, who had Republicans campaign against him regarding his performance in the field of education, is now leaving the party that has championed services for children and education.”
Democrats Condemn Officer Shooting, Pray for Quick Recovery
Rochester, New York – January 8, 2010. Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature condemned today’s shooting of a Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy in Brockport and offered their prayers for the officer’s recovery.
Democratic Leader Harry Bronson (D-Rochester) said, “Each day, our deputies confront dangerous situations that place them in harm’s way. We are indebted to each officer for the bravery and courage they display in their efforts to keep our community safe. The person or persons responsible for this reprehensible act must be held accountable.”
New Democratic Legislator Sworn In, Leadership Re-Elected
Rochester, New York – January 4, 2010. Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature welcomed Saul A. Maneiro as the newest member of the caucus. Legislator Maneiro was sworn in to office this evening to represent the County’s 29th Legislative District. In related news, Democrats unanimously re-elected Harry B. Bronson as Minority Leader, and Carrie M. Andrews and Calvin Lee Jr., as Assistant Minority Leaders.
“It is with a deep sense of pride and humility that I take the oath of office to serve my community in the County Legislature,” said Legislator Maneiro (D-Rochester). “As we begin the New Year, I am ready to tackle the important county issues we face and serve my constituents with the dedication they expect and deserve.”
Democratic Leader Bronson (D-Rochester, Brighton & Henrietta) said, “It has been a tremendous experience representing my fellow Democrats as their Leader. I look forward to the work ahead and am hopeful that with new leadership in the Legislature our community may begin to see more bipartisanship instead of the empty rhetoric on cooperation we’ve heard in the past. We have a prime opportunity to set a positive tone for the next two years and I stand ready to work in good faith with all Legislators to serve our community as best we can.”
Assistant Democratic Leader Andrews (D-Rochester) said, “I look forward to working with new and incumbent legislators of both parties to continue our fight for working families in Monroe County that rely on the critical decisions made by the Legislature.”
Assistant Democratic Leader Lee (D-Rochester) said, “With the current economic challenges in New York State and across the country, it is more important than ever that we foster a climate where economic development is our top priority. We must create innovative ways to encourage small business development in our communities and neighborhoods.”
Democrats Propose Tax Cut
Rochester, New York – December 9, 2009: Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature proposed an amendment to the 2010 County Budget that would have reduced property taxes by $1.5 million, reducing the tax rate from $8.99 to $8.95. This measure would reduce the overwhelming real property tax burden on our citizens, and Democrats strongly support efforts to help the taxpayers of this County – especially in these difficult economic times.
This tax cut is possible because of lower than expected interest rates due to the slow economy. In particular, the Brooks Administration budgeted $2.2 million in 2010 for interest costs on $75 million in short term debt. After the budget was released, the County borrowed this $75 million and the actual interest rate was only 1.91%, much lower than expected. Over the term of the borrowing, five and a half months, the total interest cost will be $657,000 – which is $1.5 million less that then Administration budgeted.
Democratic Minority Leader Harry Bronson (D-Rochester, Brighton & Henrietta) said, “With the poor economy and financial struggles facing so many families, it is imperative that we do everything we can to reduce the property tax burden faced by Monroe County residents. This tax cut would have given much needed relief to our friends, family and neighbors. Unfortunately, it appears Republicans in this Legislature prefer hoarding our taxpayers’ hard earned dollars instead of taking the common sense action of reduction taxes.”
Legislator Paul Haney (D-Rochester) said, “In this economic climate the status quo is simply unacceptable. This was a real and clear opportunity to cut taxes. Unfortunately, it appears that Republican legislators care more about playing ‘follow the leader’ than doing what’s right for our community.”
Legislators Vincent Esposito (D-Irondequoit) said, “The residents of my district want their taxes reduced. This legislature had the opportunity to do that because of historically low interest rates that were overestimate in the proposed budget. I’m disappointed my colleagues refused to return this extra money to the property taxpayers to whom it belongs.”
The proposed tax cut was blocked last night on a party line vote, with all Democrats in favor and all Republicans opposed. Watch the debate and final roll call vote on the Democrats' proposed tax cut.
