The County of Erie is in dire straits right now - needing over $100M in 'new' revenue to patch a budget gap. County Executive Giambra proposed a sales tax increase, which would have brought the local levy to 9.25%. It failed legislative approval after months of wrangling.

Because of this, three people I know are seeing layoffs. In sum, the County will probably layoff about 1,200 people. My brother, sister and my friend Mark will all be pink-slipped.

Who knows how long the furlough will last. Estimates center on June of this year. No matter how long, its tough.

It seems that by the year Buffalo and WNY are getting in worse shape economically. No jobs. Bankrupt or near bankrupt governments. It's a real shame. A lot of people are caught in the middle.

On the flip side, though, is that change needs to come sometime. Sooner rather than later is always a popular, pragmatic approach. This situation is a result of years of bloat, overspending and spending on the ifcome.

It's sad. The County Executive came into office much like a white knight, bringing new energy, promises of smaller government and a couple of new ideas.

Nothing has panned out. Government is larger. Ideas has been largely a lot of hot air, and energy is gridlocked the legislature and the region's unwillingness to take risks.

In light of this, I encouraged my friend Mark to seek greener pastures. Now would be the perfect time. I'll keep you posted on what happens on that front.

Time will tell what will happen to everyone else. Of course hind sight is always 20/20, but did I time it right when I relocated..