(Buffalo, NY, February 6, 2008) - - Erie County Executive Chris Collins is taking a new approach to the use of cell phones by employees. Senior correspondent Rich Newberg has more on Collins' latest money saving plans, including his salary.

Chris Collins, Erie County Executive, "It's sending a message--every dollar counts."

There will be fewer messages sent by cell phone according to the new County Executive, who wants all county employees to fill out a justification form giving reasons why they need them. There have been 900 in use. A previous cell phone audit by the comptoller had found evidence of waste.

Mark Poloncarz, Erie County Comptroller, "We found siutations where employees had two cell phones assigned to them, sometimes three or four. They didn't know where the cell phones were. They gave them to other employees."

Chris Collins wants justification forms in by Friday, but is already getting some resistance.

Chris Collins, Erie County Executive, "In many cases we're getting people rationalizing why they have it, not justifying why they have it."

But even the Public Works Commissioner, whose workers respond to emergencies says he'll take a second look at cell phone use.

Jerry Sentz, Erie County Public Works Commissioner, "I have to justify every cell phone and I certainly will make an attempt to justify every cell phone."

Meanwhile, the county executive and his deputy are moving forward on plans to give up their salaries with that money going to needy organizations. The wives of Chris Collins and Deputy County Executive Mark Davis will help decide who gets the money from what's being called the "Brighter Future Fund."

Chris Collins, Erie County Executive, "Think about the neighborhood after school programs, some of the block clubs and what they're doing. Some programs serving the most at need, whether it's the elderly, food kitchens, and things of this sort."

The Brighter Future Fund Committee is chaired by Theresa Jehle, Past President of the Junior League of Buffalo. Organizations serving the young and the elderly in Buffalo are likely to rank high on the list.

Copyright 2008 - WIVB