Joel A. Giambra started his career as Erie County Executive with a very strong commitment to regionalism and consolidation of services. Reduction in governments and effecting county-wide economies were his goals. He did his best but met insurmountable barriers. Perhaps the time was not right.

It is, however, a pleasant irony that one of his plans did work out, and it happens to be on his last day in office. They say, “All is well that ends well.”

Today, we are announcing a plan for the consolidation of sewer services between the Town of Amherst, the Town of Clarence, Erie County districts in the Town of Clarence, and the Village of Williamsville. This plan, if well implemented, has the potential of saving up to 23 percent of the current costs that amount to more than $22 million.

This consolidation plan may be the last important action in Joel A. Giambra’s tenure as Erie County Executive, but it is the first in the history of Erie County. It is hoped that other services and governments will follow this type of regional consolidation to effect county-wide economies.

We in Erie County must catch up with the rest of the nation for a brighter future for our children. It is never too late.