Who should use Erie County's Highmark Stadium suite?

This much is certain: When new Highmark Stadium opens this summer, Erie County will have access to one of its 121 suites.

But, the over riding question - at least to members of the Erie County Legislature - is who should, or should not, have access to the suite.

Use and access to the suite has become a major talking point among the county lawmakers.

"There have been a lot of questions raised," said John Bargnesi Jr., D-Tonawanda . "And, there will be a lot more."

Across both sides of the political aisle, a number of questions have been raised and are becoming key talking points in dialogue between the 11 county lawmakers and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and his administration. The talks have been cordial and professional, both sides say.

"We know what we proposed was a first draft and there would be changes," said Jeremy Toth, Erie County attorney.

The Buffalo Bills allocated one of the suites to the county in return for lawmakers approving $250 million towards the development of the new stadium. The suite has 16 seats and comes with four parking passes.

In his first draft proposal, Poloncarz said for the Bills' pre-season and regular season games, he offered the use of the suite - for one game each - to Visit Buffalo, Empire State Development and the Erie County Industrial Development Agency - but only for purposes of securing some level of new, private sector investment in the county or region.

"It can't be a perk for (the respective) board members and staff," said Legislator Lindsay Lorigo. "It has to be for documented business."

Bargnesi said if use of the suite helps bring a company to the county, then he is okay with that.

"That would be a home run," Bargnesi said.

Lawmakers do have concerns about allocating three home games to the trio of economic development agencies identified by the county executive.

* Poloncarz said no elected or county officials will be allowed in the suite and if they are found in there, they must pay full retail value for one of the suite's 16 seats and 1/16 of the food and beverage costs.

Lawmakers want a total ban on elected or county officials from even setting foot in the suite.

* Poloncarz has suggested the remaining home dates, including pre-season and post-season, be allocated to 501 (c) (3) organizations that meet certain criteria including supplying five years worth of IRS filings.

Organizations would be through a lottery run by the county executive's office.

County lawmakers want to see the list, first, of interested 501 (c) (3) organizations including who they will use the suite and who will be invited into the suite.

"It comes down to access. transparency and who will be in there," Lorigo said.

Toth said he will make a series of revisions and return the policy back to the legislature.

"We realize this is a policy that may need to be revised, even after it is place," Toth said.