Erie County voters have local proposition on their ballot in addition to statewide proposal

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — When Erie County voters head to the polls this year, they will have two propositions at the bottom of their ballot.

The first is a statewide proposition that would amend the NYS Constitution. The second proposal specifically affects Erie County taxpayers.

“Every two years, there’s an extra 1-percent and an extra .75-percent that Erie County has to pass a resolution opting into adding to our sales tax,” said Republican Legislator Lindsay Lorigo. “That’s been a temporary sales tax that we’ve had for decades. It was meant to get us out of a fiscal crisis. It has become a permanent sales tax that we’re used to seeing on our bills.”

According to the language of the proposal, voting yes would no longer require two-thirds of the legislature — a super majority — to pass the authorized sales tax, instead requiring a simple majority. It would also remove the need for a public referendum.

The legislature has 11 members. In a simple majority, only six affirmative votes would be needed as opposed to the eight required in a super majority.

Democrats argue this prevents gridlock.

“We’re the only county that requires a super majority of the county legislature to uphold sales tax,” said Erie County Democratic Chairman Jeremy Zellner. “We’re trying to get past the point where politics plays a role whether the county functions or not.”

But, Republicans like Lorigo argue this takes away the voice of residents.

“The minority caucus represents more towns and villages just because of our geographic size. So you’re taking away the voice from all these towns and villages that benefit from this temporary sales tax, because it is dispersed then to towns, villages and schools,” she said.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.

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