Here’s an out-of-touch statement from a Chautauqua County legislator regarding the potential suspension of the gas tax last week.

Jay Gould, R-Ashville, said he is concerned that cutting the tax could hurt local municipalities.

“We could mess up the budget on many, many towns,” he said.

First, legislators do not represent the municipalities. They are in office thanks to votes from the taxpayer — the one doling out some of the highest taxes in the nation.

Second, both the county and municipalities — over the years — have proven to be very adept at spending taxpayer monies. Before the pandemic, the economy was booming and both were reaping the rewards of higher sales tax revenues. Did local government try to get leaner during those times? Of course not, they rode the gravy train.

Higher consumer prices — at the pumps, grocery stores and in retail — are affecting us all. We don’t need county officials worrying about how another form of government, which is often duplication, is going to be impacted.

The gas tax resolution will be discussed at tonight’s meeting. We’ll know a lot more tomorrow about the legislature’s proiorities — your wallet or the checkbooks of local municipalities.