Erie County Council candidates on the issues: Q&A with 7th Dist. candidate Lorraine Dolan

Editor's note: A majority of seats on Erie County Council — four of County Council's seven districts — will be decided in the Nov. 7 election. The Erie Times-News/GoErie.com invited the nine candidates vying to represent citizens in the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th Districts to briefly state their views on several key issues facing county government. Some answers have been edited for length and/or clarity. Read 7th District candidate Lorraine "Lori" Dolan's here. A map of Erie County Council districts can be found at https://bit.ly/countycouncilmap

Lorraine "Lori" Dolan, Fairview Township, 7th District, Democrat

1. What would you like voters to know about your background and legislative priorities for Erie County Council?

Currently, I work part time as an assistant teacher at Lakewood Preschool. My service has always centered on women, children and families, earning me the Liberty Bell Award presented by the Erie County Bar Association. I'm committed to enhancing EMS, supporting Pleasant Ridge Manor, expanding affordable broadband and preserving Lake Erie waters as home to a Maritime Sanctuary. Dive deeper into my journey at ForWestCounty.com.

2. What is Erie County Council's role in Erie County government? Has council been upholding its mandated powers, procedures and duties, or failing to do so, as some members of the public warn, including former Councilwoman Mary Rennie, who recently resigned over the issue? Are there reforms you would like to implement?

Some council members are failing the public. Rennie looked below the surface to decipher the details in the decision-making process, became informed and believed in following established process and abiding by the Home Rule Charter. Others only listen to the County Executive.

Serving on County Council is an immense responsibility. Listen to your constituents. Discuss with your fellow council members. Reforms to establish adherence to transparency and the necessary oversight are needed to serve the public properly.

3. What role should county government, taxpayers, municipalities, and the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority play in resolving the EMS crisis, if any? Do you support Erie County Executive Brenton Davis' proposal for a countywide EMS authority?

I was open to listening; including the first responders in the initial planning and decision-making built trust and established ownership. Larger townships are finding their answers, and smaller municipalities are looking to their neighbors to share resources and infrastructure. ECGRA should partner with rural providers to modernize EMS. Taxpayers need to remember these services are not free. Fire taxes, with community approval, are being passed to cover costs. 911 isn't always used as intended.

4. What is your position on Erie County's financial support of Pleasant Ridge Manor? Would you consider privatizing the county's skilled nursing care facility?

PRM has a unique and inspiring Erie County history. The need for senior care is not going away; baby boomers are coming of age. A large part of what the county government is responsible for is ensuring the needs of the people here are met. PRM could use support in assuring strong leadership and less dependency on contracted labor to maintain its presence in our community. It should not be considered a profit-making endeavor.

5. The distribution of Erie County's American Rescue Plan Act funding became an ongoing source of contention amid County Executive Davis' push to reallocate roughly $26 million in ARP funds previously budgeted by Erie County Council. What is the purpose of ARP funding and how should it be invested in Erie County?

The Davis administration should provide for the public an accounting of how this money has been spent or allocated. It is a matter of record. The County Council is the financial watchdog for county government. The council and public should demand records be published.

ARP monies were to go to people, households, businesses and community service providers helping our community recover from COVID-19. It should be used for this purpose, not new economic development.

6. Can Erie County government do more to retain and grow service at the Erie International Airport? Do you support the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership's recent proposal for a public-private $1 million Fly Erie Fund to lure carriers back to Erie?

Erie County does not want to lose service entirely; it is good that community partners are planning for positive outcomes. Subsidizing airlines could stabilize the market to the point where, eventually, it could be self-funding as it has been in the past. Air travel opportunities are needed for business growth, recreation and community-associated events like conventions.

7. In April, a majority of Erie County Council voted to divert gaming revenues that were meant in part to help the county meet its local financial obligation to the Erie County Community College. The money was used to shore up a depleted EMS grant fund. Given the many demands on county funds, what is the best strategy to ensure county government upholds its financial commitment to the college?

The County Executive needs to account for the money "borrowed" and return it to its rightful purpose. County Council needs to stand strong together to stop actions like this with their vote and establish a reimbursement procedure. ECGRA and ARP funding is not the County Executive's personal piggy bank. County Council must find a financial advisor and the council should listen to the expert advice they receive.

8. As A.J. Rao reported, a dispute between Erie County Council and County Executive Davis over the 2023 budget was left unresolved, and Davis reversed $400,000 in spending cuts that council had made to Davis' proposed budget. How should this be addressed? If elected, how would you approach management of taxpayer money and council's budgeting authority?

It has been suggested this go to court. That may be the only possible solution. Unfortunately, action has not already been taken. The public could also demand a resolution.

My vote would be one dependent on expert advice, studying the issues, hearing from constituents and doing my best to reflect the values of west county and Erie County.

9. What role does transparency play in effective government? If elected, how would you remain engaged with your constituents?

Transparency is the foundation of good governance. Government is for the people and by the people. Citizens have the right to know. My thought is to maintain my website and a Facebook page to allow constituents to continue messaging me as they have been. The public can also call into the County Council office, attend a meeting, Zoom into meetings, watch recorded meetings or extend invitations to informational public gatherings. We value open communication.

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This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County Council 7th Dist. candidate Lorraine Dolan Q & A