Erie County Legislature Approves Downsizing Proposal BUFFALO (wned) - Erie County legislators want the public to approve cutting the size of the body and increasing the length of their terms.

They voted yesterday to put the proposal on the November ballot, a proposal which faces an immediate veto from County Executive Collins, who wants term lengths and legislature size listed as separate items on the ballot.

While the Legislature's 21st Century Commission recommended a cut to 11 members, the current 15 members settled on 13 because they say there will be too many changes in districts after the Census next year.

Legislator Betty Jean Grant says her constituents like the current size of the body.

"For me, to listen to my constituents, which I'm supposed to do, I will vote for no downsizing...I think that 15 is a good number," said Grant.

Republicans would like to see an even deeper cut in membership. Some say cutting the membership to nine would save even more money in salaries, staff and district office rents.

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