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.
