Erie County Legislature holds public hearing on potential term limits

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- On Tuesday, the Erie County Legislature allowed community members to make their voices heard about proposed term limits for county officials.

The new bill, introduced by Democratic Legislator John Bargnesi, would limit any new officeholder by 2030 to three terms. It also moves county legislators from two-year to four-year terms.

Only two people showed up to the hearing Tuesday night to voice their opinions. An e-mail was also sent to Olivia Owens, the court clerk, which was read out loud at the start of the hearing. All were in favor of the proposed bill.

"It allows fresh voices and fresh opinions," said Assemblymember Monia Wallace. "I completely support the measure."

"We don't have competitive elections for Erie County offices, and we should," said Paul Wolf via e-mail. "What we have instead is a game of elected positions being filled when politicians retire or jump to other offices manipulated by political party bosses."

Bargnesi felt that now was a perfect time for this kind of change. He said people shouldn't think because they win an election, that they're in that position for life. Instead, he believes new people deserve opportunities.

"By having incumbents that are embedded in those seats, people don't run. People are intimidated," Bargensi said. "If they're there for a short period of time, they have a chance because a seat is becoming open."

Legislators on the other side of the aisle agree that the length of term limits needs to change from two to four years. They said they don't agree with the limit on how many terms are being proposed.

"There's pros and cons to it. The way this was actually portrayed to us, it's a definite no," said Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro. "I don't think it's fair that you want to change the rules as things apply."

Todaro also explained that there have been good discussions regarding the proposed bill. They hope to come up with a compromise soon.

"For us to come up and amend it, it's not going to be easy," Todaro said. "They'll come up with something maybe we can agree to."

Bargnesi said he wants to have the proposed bill on the agenda for the county legislature during the next two sessions before they go on break. If it gets passed, it then heads to the county executive to sign. After that, it heads to the board of elections.

Bargnesi also said his overall goal is to have the proposal on the ballot this November for people to decide on these term limits.

"That's why I'm pushing hard," Bargnesi said. "I don't want to run out of time and then it doesn't get on the ballot."