According to the Erie County Charter, the Chairman of the Legislature has the authority to issue the subpoena in order to: «make such
studies and investigations as it deems to be in the best interest of the county, and in connection therewith to obtain professional and technical advice, appoint temporary
advisory boards of citizens, subpoena witnesses, administer oaths and require the productions of
books, papers, and other evidence deemed necessary or material to the
study or inquiry.»