Lancaster Bee – June 26, 2015
Morton’s column misrepresents facts
I am writing in response to a recent column from Legislator Ted Morton, who misrepresented the facts regarding taxation, spending and hiring in Erie County.
The legislator’s column also neglected to mention the county’s new efficiency plan, which streamlines governmental functions and should result in county taxpayers receiving a rebate check later this year. I would like to set the record straight.
First, Erie County is not “one of the highest-taxed counties in the country,” as the legislator states. Our taxation rate is below the state average, is significantly less compared to similar population counties, and was lowered even further through a modest tax cut in the 2015 budget. While some municipalities’ taxes are higher than the average, it is not due to the county’s tax rate being high, but rather town, village and school district rates, which are above average.
The legislator also bemoans the fact that my administration would not cede authority over county roads and policies to an ad hoc suburban committee, but instead chose to invest in personnel to assist in maintaining and operating our Public Works fleet. His rush to add unnecessary layers of bureaucracy but hesitation to put “boots on the ground” to protect and maintain our infrastructure are illuminating but not beneficial to the public.
Furthermore, Legislator Morton’s words are betrayed by his actions. He writes about how he wants to cut government but simultaneously submits a multimillion dollar request to widen and reconstruct a road through his district, a project our Department of Public Works did not identify as being needed. I question his sincerity in claiming he wants to cut government when he demands that the county commence expensive, unneeded projects such as this.
Finally, the legislator is apparently unaware that Erie County is planning for its future and that numerous municipalities have come together to be a part of our first-ever efficiency plan. This plan features shared services, programs and personnel between communities to maximize efficiencies and better serve residents. Once it is accepted by the state, county taxpayers will receive a rebate check thanks to our efforts to create a more efficient government.
I hope the legislator can agree that this is in everyone’s best interest.
Mark Poloncarz
Erie County Executive