Collins blasts state government

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - He campaigned to bring a leaner government to Erie County.

Now Chris Collins is blasting a plan that's supposed to trim state government.

Chris Collins says Governor Paterson caved in to the unions by saving their jobs and offering early retirement buyouts. He says the current municipal union contracts are hurting taxpayers in this state.

"This is Dave Debo. Luke Moretti from Channel 4 is with us in studio, we're asking questions of County Executive Chris Collins," said David Debo on WBEN.

On Sunday morning's "Hardline" show on WBEN radio, Erie County Executive Chris Collins sounded like a man with state political aspirations.

"There's been a void in the Republican side of politics and we see it now with no Republicans elected statewide," said Erie County Executive, Chris Collins.

Collins believes the two biggest financial burdens for New York state are medicaid costs and municipal union contracts.

He criticized Governor Paterson's deal with the unions to save 8900, state jobs by offering $20,000 dollar early retirement buyouts.

"In giving out $20,000 bonuses to municipal workers we don't need is an insult to all taxpayers," said Collins.

On Friday, News 4 spoke to CSEA communications specialist Lynn Miller, who responded to criticism aimed at state workers.

"I think the important thing to remember is that these men and women provide services every day that people depend on. And, if they weren't here it would create a lot of chaos, and a lot of people would face even more difficulties because they can't get the services they need," said Lynn Miller of CSEA's western region.

Collins also talked about last week's downsizing votes in West Seneca and Evans.

He says downsizing town and village boards doesn't save much money, and says it's a distraction from more important fiscal issues.

Collins says voters need to elect politicians willing to stand up to special interests.

Collins sparked up some conversation by saying, "We have the opportunity to change the slate next year."

Moretti said, "This sounds like a man running for statewide office now let me ask you."

"Luke, that's exactly what I was about to say," said Debo.

Collins answered,"I am delivering my message around the state. I'm not gonna put the cart before the horse."

Collins says he's supporting former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.

"As I've stated, I'm supporting Rudy Giuliani, he has not made his mind up, beyond that. All I want to do is talk about the issues, talk about what we're doing in Erie County, running the county like a business."

Chris Collins is currently traveling around the state talking to various groups about the problems he sees with state government.