By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

Amid controversy regarding efforts to redistrict and downsize the current Erie County Legislature, County Executive Chris Collins has proposed the creation of an alternative commission to tackle future redistricting issues.

He proposed the formation of a seven-person commission, although it would have no input into the current effort.

"This is the best time to move it forward," Collins said. "The topic is on everyone's mind."

Last fall, Erie County residents voted in favor - nearly 80 percent - of downsizing and redistricting the current 15-member Legislature into an 11-person entity. The redistricting plan, however, has turned into a political and legal tug-of-war, with no consensus in sight. It's the subject of a pending federal lawsuit to be heard U.S. Federal Court Judge William Skretny.

Collins, however, said the seven-person commission he wants would be comprised of a representative from each of the following: University at Buffalo School of Law, Buffalo Urban League, Erie County Farm Bureau, Association of Erie County Governments, League of Women Voters, Buffalo Niagara Partnership and the Buffalo AFL-CIO Labor Council.

To keep it independent and nonpartisan, Collins proposed that members would not have served in an elected office within three years of being named to the panel; that they have no spouse or direct relative who is an elected official; and not have served in an official capacity with any political party.

"This should be an easy decision as it doesn't affect any member of the Legislature for the next 10 years," he said.

Redistricting can only be tackled once every 10 years.

Collins is sending his proposal to the Erie County Legislature, which is expected to review the document it meets July 14. The proposal will likely be sent to committee for review.

"It should be obvious to everyone involved that our current system is broken," the county executive said. "This is a real attempt at taking politics out of the process completely and making it the fairest plan possible for everyone who will benefit: the taxpayers of Erie County."