Some Allegany County Legislators thought it was a joke, but it wasn't when they received invitations to come to the White House. Allegany County Legislature Chairman Curt Crandall confirmed this afternoon that yes, indeed, members of the Board have been summoned the Washington. Crandall said the invite came from the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs. According to its website, the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (OIEA) strengthens relationships between state and local partners and external stakeholders with the Office of the Secretary. OIEA also serves as liaison for governmental and non-governmental partners in communicating with Departmental offices and the Bureaus.
Crandall said the topic of discussion would be the proposed tax reform bill. The Republican from Belfast said the meeting will "help to put Allegany County on the map." He added, it would be "absolutely foolish" not to go. In recent weeks, Allegany County has expressed concern about the tax reform plan.
Crandall says he believes as many as ten legislators will make the trip, which has also been offered to several other New York counties as well. Crandall said a Pennsylvania colleague told him "if you have the opportunity, take it." Crandall admitted that a meeting like this "doesn't come along everyday."
