Cities in New York want to change districts due to too tight quarantine restrictions

Some cities in upstate New York that oppose mandatory mask-wearing and other public health measures introduced during the pandemic are considering leaving and changing districts. Times union reports that representatives from Marilla, Wales, Holland, and Grand Island were in a group that met last week to discuss the transition of Erie County to Wyoming or Niagara County.

Marilla Borough Chief Earl Gingerich, Jr., whose town is about 13 km from the center Buffalohosted the meeting. He said the effort is serious and that the Erie County government is directing more of its resources to Buffalo and its immediate suburbs at the expense of smaller towns. “Our opinion here is 'we the people' and not 'I am the king' or 'tyrant',” he said.

Erie County Chief Executive Mark K. Poloncartz said cities would lose sales tax and other general revenue if they exited. He also said that his county is the only one in New York to share sales tax revenue with its municipalities and school districts.

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Separation is a rare step in New York, and it involves a complex process. The lawyer is working with city officials on a preliminary investigation. Then 20% of voters in those communities will be required to sign a petition that initiates a formal feasibility study.

The move then needs to be approved by the voters in each city and the governing bodies of both counties. If Erie County objects, the judge will have to decide if it is in the public interest.