It was more than two weeks ago members of the Erie County Legislature asked for information from Western Regional Off-Track Betting about the corporation's "high-rollers" or "Suitestakes" program.

Government Affairs Committee Chairman Kevin Hardwick gave OTB an informal deadline.

"I still do think that it would have been reasonable for them to get it to me in a week," he said. "They didn't."

So Hardwick put his request in writing, asking for a list of all public employees and friends and family who have been given free tickets to luxury suites at places like New Era Field and KeyBank Center. The legislator also asked for a legal opinion as to why OTB believes it's not entitled under Freedom of Information Law to give the names of customers who receive tickets through the promotion.

"I hope to get something," Hardwick said. "I don't know if I expect to get something. I would've expected if it were forthcoming we would have had it without the formal written request. I do expect some sort of reply to my letter because I think we deserve that."

Earlier this year, the Republican majority in the Niagara County Legislature voted down a resolution to sue OTB for the "high-rollers" list. Last week, however, Legislature Chairman Keith McNall sent a letter to OTB President Henry Wojtaszek asking for the full list of beneficiaries. Minority Leader Dennis Virtuoso plans to introduce a new resolution this week calling for the entire body to make the formal request.

"I'm glad they joined us in that. I'm glad they did. I don't know what their process was like, why they didn't do it sooner, but I think that they've done the right thing," Hardwick said.

Wojtaszek said "the corporation has received the requests from Erie County and Niagara County and is working to provide answers to their questions."

Hardwick said if the answers don't come soon, the Legislature will assess its options, but since Erie County receives a share of profits from the public benefit corporation, he has reservations about legal action.

"That's a huge concern and that's why I wouldn't commit to something like that frivolously," he said. "I've always hated whether it's this or something else, one government suing another. I think in the end, the taxpayers lose when that happens."

Meanwhile, sources said at least one person was scheduled to appear before a federal grand jury this month which appears to be investigating OTB with regards to several things including the use of perks and resources.