Collins Calls for Special Session to Prevent Fuel Crisis

October 8, 2008

County facing fuel shortage, Legislature twice blocked solution

Erie County Executive Chris Collins today called on Chairwoman Lynn Marinelli to hold a special session of the Erie County Legislature to prevent the County from running out of fuel. Due to increased prices, the County is set to run out of fuel in mid-October. This shortage will impact the entire county fleet. These vehicles make it possible for the Sheriff to conduct road patrols and for the County to plow snow, care for our parks, assist ongoing construction projects, and report to emergencies.

"Twice in two weeks, I have asked the Legislature to simply approve an administrative transfer of funds to purchase more fuel to get us through the end of the year," said Collins. "Twice the Legislature Majority has refused. It is both troubling and appalling to me that the Legislature's Government Affairs Committee voted down my request yesterday. We need to work together to address the County's looming fuel shortage. Today I will - for the third time - ask the Legislature to approve this transfer of funds"

"It is unfathomable for me to understand how the Legislature Majority can put politics before the people's best interest on an issue like this," continued Collins. "It is even more mind boggling that it was done as we approach the two year anniversary of the unanticipated October Storm. If the Legislature played today's games two years ago, the taxpayers would still feel the pain. I strongly believe that the taxpayers of this community overwhelmingly want us to work together to solve issues like this. It is frustrating to see the Legislature Majority stepping in as obstructionists to our collective mission of serving the people of Erie County."

Yesterday, the Legislature also refused to accept Control Board Efficiency Grants to fund the County's successful Six Sigma and Real Estate Management programs. Six Sigma alone will generate savings of $1.5 million in 2008, well beyond expectations.

"These two programs developed by my Administration are showing real results and real savings," said Collins. "The Control Board has recognized this fact and funded these programs through 2009. Once again, the Legislature Majority is proving it has little interest in reform or reengineering county government to save taxpayer dollars."