The Benderson Shooting Club property on Maple Rd. has been proposed for redevelopment into a large strip mall.  It is being promoted as a haven for UB students to gather, shop  and utilize as a somewhere to gather and spend their money.  This is a positive thing for the UB students.  A space for them to relax without the fear of any criminal activity occurring.A Safe Place For UB Students

Iannello, Ward impress at Genesee County Dems meeting; Mesi a no-show

The two leading contenders for the Democratic nod in the 61st Senate District race met with the Genesee County Democratic Committee last night. Dan Ward and Michele Iannello both impressed the Genesee County Dems. In the past, a number of sources from Genesee County have said that Iannello has been very impressive in her approach thus far and Ward has a great resume and experience to run on. As for “Baby” Joe Mesi, he was a no-show after originally being slated to attend the Genesee County Dems meeting last night.Iannello and Ward both impressed me when I met them. Their resumes speak for themselves but as people, they are very open and they worked the room. I think we need to know more about Mesi. Mesi hasn’t really opened up politically. The 61st needs to know where he stands on the issues if he wants to be considered a serious contender.By:  Robert Harding

Higgins Announces Release of $40 Million in Additional Federal Home Heating Assistance Funding

Over $14 Million in New Funds for Residents of New York

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced today that the federal government has released $40 million in additional funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  LIHEAP provides home heating aid for senior citizens and struggling families. 

“With weeks of cold weather remaining here in Western New York and the cost of energy continuing to skyrocket, the release of these additional funds will go a long way in assisting local residents who cannot afford the high cost of keeping their houses warm and safe in the winter months,” Higgins said.          

The money released today is directed to states with 20 percent of their low-income households using fuel oil as their primary heating source. The Energy Information Administration predicts that average home heating oil expenditures this winter will exceed last year winter’s levels by 34 percent. In comparison to last winter, The Energy Information Administration reports that  the cost to heat a home with home heating oil increased by $375 to $1,841, propane by $273 to $1,622 and natural gas by $87 to $900. A typical tank of heating oil holds 275 gallons.  The cost for one fill is approaching $900 and often lasts less than half a winter heating season.  

Higgins has been a strong advocate for increased LIHEAP funds in the House of Representatives, and has recently asked the House Budget Committee and Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee that they provide $5.1 billion for LIHEAP for fiscal year 2009.

1) Hot Spots of Lead Air Quality Hazards Counties in NEW YORK with the Greatest Reported Releases of Lead to Air :

Erie County is rated number 3 behind Chemung and Jefferson Counties.

2)  Counties in NEW YORK with the greatest reported releases of lead compounds to air :

1.Erie

2.Steuben

3.Jefferson

4.Chemung

The Amherst Democratic Committee held their monthly meeting on February 18^th at the Harlem Road Community Center.  There was an overflow crowd in attendance.  The atmosphere in the room was vibrant with a feeling of victory.  Individuals spoke with confidence that this is the year the Democrats will achieve major gains in Congress, our State Senate and Assembly and the big plum, the PRESIDENCY.

Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz stop by to say hello and was greeted with an over whelming show of support and admiration. He has charisma which is rare in someone with his strong abilities.

Dan Ward was introduced as the only announced candidate for the State Senator seat. He is showing a “Fire in his Belly” that, as a reporter, I haven’t seen in him in a long time. Ward has been working very hard in setting the groundwork for seeking the Democratic endorsement.

Council member Mark Manna spoke concerning some of the major problems Amherst is facing.  Manna is quickly making a name for himself as a strong supporter of the people of Amherst.  His style of using common sense and not being swallowed up by public outcry is rare in a first time Town Board member.  He researches Amherst problems before he offers suggestions to solve them.  This type of Council member should serve as a model for his fellow Town Board Members.

Craig Bucki explained to some committee members that he has been weighing many factors in his decision to seek the State Assembly seat.  He showed excellent composure with his answers.  It very evident the Democrats in Amherst want Craig to unseat Jim Hayes so that meaningful leadership can begin.

Craig has been receiving strong support from the Polish community as well as several major unions.  It’s the beginning of a ground swell for Craig to stop the weak, useless leadership Jim Hayes has given our area for years.  Bucki will weigh many factors before he makes the decision about whether to run and beat Hayes or stay with the law firm he really enjoys.

The atmosphere of the meeting produced many new volunteers and committee members.  People want to be part of history, and they know they can help this happen.   

As I was surfing the net recently I discovered that our very own Susan Grelick is running for NY State Assembly.  Imagine my surprise.  I didn’t know that was happening.  What a low key campaign! 

Oh wait.  She’s not running.  She is just a “little behind”, so to speak, in taking down her website. 

How long can something like that stay up?  Maybe until she decides to actually run for . . . something else!

Higgins Demands Congressional Investigation Into Alleged Suppression of Great Lakes Environmental Study  

Higgins Calling for Whistleblowers to Testify About Published Reports Indicating CDC Held Back Report Citing Environmental Hazards in WNY Area

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) is calling on the House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to investigate allegations indicating the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may have suppressed a study of environmental hazards in the eight Great Lakes states.  According to published reports, parties involved in drafting the study discussing the possibility of industrial contamination throughout the Great Lakes region are claiming the findings are being concealed and the report’s author has been demoted.  Congressman Higgins is also asking Chairman Waxman to invite the whistleblowers to testify before the Government Reform Committee. 

“There are many questions that need to be answered,” said Higgins, a member of the Government Reform Committee.  “Why was this report suppressed and who is responsible?  What are the consequences of the research contained in the report?  The information contained within this report, while certainly not providing a silver bullet explaining health problems of citizens living in or near the affected area, could still be used as an important reference for local governments, researchers, and the healthcare community who continue to explore disturbing health trends in Western New York.”

Nine million people live in the counties that contain the twenty-six Great Lakes Areas of Concern.  In many of the areas studied, researchers found low birth weights, elevated rates of infant mortality and premature births, as well as elevated death rates from breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer.

The report evaluated five hazardous waste sites in Erie County as contributing to the continued public health issues for residents living within the Buffalo River Area of Concern:

·         Hickory Woods Subdivision in Buffalo

·         Ernst Steel Site in Cheektowaga

·         Pfohl Brothers Landfill in Cheektowaga

·         6 acre housing parcel in Newstead

·         Diarsenol Company/Kingsley Park Site in Buffalo

Congressman Higgins has long fought to clean up the Buffalo River.  Just last year he requested an increase in funding from $30 million to $54 million for the Great Lakes Legacy Act, which provides funds for the remediation of Great Lakes Areas of Concern.

“This matter cannot be swept under the rug,” said Higgins, who also serves on the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force.  “Our citizens deserve accurate information on the health of their communities, and policy makers need this information to make changes that will improve the health of the environment.”

Who will pay to clean up the contamination of the town owned golf course which has become a health risk due to the wind carrying the lead from the Shooting Club range down wind  to different parts of our golf course?  The wind may have also carried lead to the surrounding neighborhoods, which means the people in those homes should have their entire family tested for any lead related problems.

Lead gets into our bodies by breathing it in as well as by touching someone who has lead on their bodies or walking in an area which is contaminated.

Lead may cause very serious health problems to anyone, especially children and women who are pregnant .

(Amherst, NY)—— Edward Rath, 15^th District Erie County Legislator, announced today that the income guidelines for the Home Energy Assistance Program have changed. “Please check the new guidelines to see if your family is eligible,” said Rath.  Additionally, if you are in need of a second emergency payment due to a shutoff notice, it is now available. 

Applications will be accepted for the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, February 26, 2008 in the Council Chambers of the Town Amherst Hall, 5583 Main Street Williamsville. The doors open at 7:00AM.

HEAP guarantees service to the first 80 applicants who sign in at Outreach. We interview all prospective clientele at Outreach regardless of age or disability. We conduct interviews for 9-4, but a staff member will be on site as earlier to sign in applicants and set up for the day.  

Applicants should come prepared with the following:

• 1 form of ID for all household members (birth cert, license, SS card)
• Proof of income received within last 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, SS or pension award letters, proof of child support, rental income, unemployment benefits, worker’s comp, etc.)
• Current shut off or disconnect notices, if applicable
• Proof of all household resources including: current checking and savings account bank statements, proof of other resources (stocks, bonds, IRAs, 401k, etc.)
• If applicant is missing information we may allow them to mail the information to us in order complete the application process

Household Size 

1                                     $ 0 – 1,876 

2                                     $ 0 – 2,454 

3                                     $ 0 – 3,031 

4                                     $ 0 – 3,609 

5                                     $ 0 – 4,186 

6                                     $ 0 – 4,763 

7                                     $ 0 – 4,871 

8                                     $ 0 – 4,980 

9                                     $ 0 – 5,088  

PLEASE NOTE:  HEAP is not doing basics and emergency shutoffs at the same time this year.  For questions, please leave a message at 633-0617 and your call will be returned the next business day.  You may also email DALLYL@erie.gov

NY State Helps Benderson Pay For Contamination Cleanup of the Shoothing Club -BIG TIME!

A sidelight to the cleanup of the lead contamination at the Old Shooting Club which the Benderson Development Corp. plans to develop.  Benderson belongs to the New York State Brownfield’s Group which will pay them 12 1/2% of the value of their project.

The money, which will be over a million dollars, will help Benderson pay to clean up the contamination at the Shooting Club. The money will come from the hard working taxpayers of New York.

New York State does its best to help business invest money in our state.