The term might be a little outdated but county legislators decided Thursday that meetings needed a dress code, at least for public employees.
County legislators often split along party lines. Thursday, one split was over a dress code, with the Majority Caucus deciding to impose a written code; Democrats opposed.
The code is for staffers and other government officials attending actual meetings while legislators are expected to dress professionally.
The first target is denim.
"It's necessary we set the standard," said Legislature Chair John Mills.
"I'm from a different generation, I guess, but I just feel our federal people and our state people all have the same dress code, not to wear things that aren't appropriate in chambers. If you allow the jeans, I guess, you allow the cutoffs and sandals and whatever else comes in."
Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo said dress codes are common in many elected governmental bodies, citing both houses of the State Legislature and also the Buffalo Common Council.
The rules don't apply to the public attending the meetings, whose attire can be very street casual.
