NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he believes the Buffalo Bills will need a new stadium to remain viable in Western New York. That comment spurred quick reaction, including calls to ensure a transparent process as state officials explore spending hundreds of millions on a new home for the Bills.
During a pre-draft event, Goodell said the Bills recently-signed, 10-year lease agreement is a "short-term solution" for keeping the team in Buffalo.
The "right long-term solution" Goodell says is a new stadium.
Under the lease, a so-called "New Stadium Working Group" was created to make recommendations.
But critics balked after they met for the first time last month behind closed doors.
In response, State Senator Patrick Gallivan introduced legislation yesterday that would require open meetings.
"It's important, whether it's me or any of the other elected representatives at the state level or at the county level that we are fully informed and that we are properly and responsibly representing our constituents," Gallivan told WBFO News.
"And if this is done in secrecy, if it's not done in the open, how on earth can we be properly educated about it?"
Gallivan's bill mirrors legislation introduced in the Assembly by South Buffalo Democrat Michael Kearns. If approved, the public officers law would be amended to require any working group, subcommittee, or advisory panel of the Erie County Stadium Corporation to deliberate in public.