Harry Bronson

Democratic Minority Leader

The Democratic Caucus of the Monroe County Legislature consists of 14 members of the legislature. We represent the people of Monroe County from Brighton to Henrietta, to Gates to Greece, from Irondequoit to Webster, to the City of Rochester.  This site contains a wealth of information about our legislators and the issues that affect our community.  If you are concerned about the future of Monroe County, you’ve come to right place.

Read the Democratic Caucus' Landmark Reform Proposals

 

 

 

See this month's proposed legislation here

 

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Democrats Demand Answers from

Water Authority

Rochester, New York – May 2, 2008.  Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature today called on the Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) to provide a full accounting of the circumstances surrounding the disposal of fill soil by MCWA employees, while on the public payroll and using MCWA equipment, to a private property owned by a separate MCWA official.

In a letter to MCWA Executive Director Edward Marianetti, Legislator Travis Heider (D-Brighton), who serves as the Democratic liaison to the MCWA Board, requested a “comprehensive explanation” of this situation and copies of all relevant MCWA policies, information regarding previous situations of a similar nature and information on who determined these goods were no longer needed.

 

“The report we saw on WHEC last night raises more questions about the conduct of Water Authority officials. Sadly, with the case against former MCWA Executive Director John Stanwix about to go to trial, these revelations show, at best, a clear pattern of questionable behavior and poor management practices. This matter warrants a comprehensive investigation. It is my hope that Mr. Marianetti will be forthright and candid in his response to my questions so that the Legislature has sufficient information to determine an appropriate course of action going forward,” Heider said.

 

Democratic Minority Leader Harry Bronson (D-Rochester, Henrietta, Brighton) said “It is disheartening to, once again, learn of accusations of wrongdoing by the Water Authority.  In the past, the Republican Majority has turned a blind eye to these situations and done little to remedy the harm to ratepayers; it is time the Legislature fully investigates and takes steps to ensure Monroe County’s property taxpayers are truly protected. Once further details become clear, we hope to work with our colleagues on the other side to ensure public authorities and local development corporations are held accountable to the citizens they were established to serve.”

 

Please find a copy of Legislator Heider’s letter attached and the original story at the following link:

http://www.whec.com/article/stories/S431010.shtml?cat=566

 

SUNY Chancellor Should Review M.C.C. Presidential Search

Rochester, New York – March 31, 2008.  Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature released a letter sent to SUNY Chancellor John Clark last Wednesday, March 26.

 

Democratic Leader Harry Bronson, D-Rochester, Brighton and Henrietta, wrote to Chancellor Clark because of growing concerns in the community about possible political influence in the search process for selecting the next president of Monroe Community College.

 

Reiterating their call for a meaningful, independent and faculty driven search process, as is required by SUNY Community College Presidential Search Guidelines, Democrats dismissed the idea that the current search be scrapped.

 

Assistant Minority Leader Carrie Andrews, D-Rochester, said “Recent calls from John Parrinello to abort the current search process are clearly an attempt to confuse the public and delay the appointment of MCC’s next president.”

 

“I believe the Board of Trustees should proceed with the interview process and do so in a manner that is transparent and inclusive of the entire community,” Andrews added.

 

Legislator Travis Heider, D-Brighton, said “Our community is growing very concerned about this issue. Having already received several calls from constituents on this topic, I feel compelled to add my voice to those of our community partners demanding politics not play any role in the selection of MCC’s next president. The official search that resulted in two qualified candidates being recommended to the trustees should be adhered too, especially since two trustees were actually sitting on one of those search committees. Simply put, MCC leadership needs to do the right thing and that means selecting a president based on qualifications, not politics.” To view a copy of the letter click here.

Democrats' Proposal Gains Momentum

Call for Alternate Budget Options to Remedy Crisis Unanimously Supported

Rochester, New York – March 27, 2008.  A Democratic proposal seeking alternative solutions to a possible $29 million budget crisis has gained the support of the entire Monroe County Legislature.

 

Sponsored by Democratic Minority Leader Harry Bronson (D-Rochester, Brighton and Henrietta), this proposal will ensure that Monroe County taxpayers are protected, should the administration's appeal of the Appellate Divisions ruling be unsuccessful.

 

With a focus on consensus building and cooperation, the proposal’s supporters hope to receive several options for solving the budget crisis from the county’s finance department. Those comprehensive options will then be sent to the Legislature, evaluated and deliberated, culminating in final passage of a budget solution that is supported by this community.

 

“We understand the difficult time the administration is going have trying to address a $29 million budget crisis, and that is why we put forth this bipartisan legislation. My Democratic colleagues and I are pleased that the Republican Majority has taken an active role in requesting a budget solution,” Bronson said. To view the proposal click here.
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