ERIE COUNTY, NY – Mark Poloncarz was the clear victor in tonight’s County Executive debate over Chris Collins. Poloncarz dominated the discussion with positive comments about his plan for county government when elected. Poloncarz demonstrated his ability to keep his cool while Collins blatantly mislead the viewers of tonight’s debate.
Below are a series of statements Collins made during the debate that are patently false and misleading. The Poloncarz campaign encourages the voters to keep examining the facts and what has happened over the past four years.
Myth #1 – Chris Collins stated at the WNED debate: “I have been talking to the Buffalo Bills for over a year.”
Fact #1 – According to a Buffalo News article dated September 18, 2011, Ralph Wilson stated: “The Bills have not heard from County Executive Chris Collins.”
http://www.buffalonews.com/
Myth #2 – Chris Collins said: “We are out of the hospital business, and not on the line for anything but a $16.2 million subsidy a year, nothing more, no capital improvements, nothing.”
Fact #2 – According to the Buffalo News article dated September 23, 2011 – “The County also allocated $11.5 million toward the construction of the n ew nursing home under a settlement agreement ECMC reached with the county in 2009.”
http://www.buffalonews.com/
Myth #3 – Chris Collins stated in tonight’s debate: “Clearly I have held the line on taxes”
Fact #3 – Chris Collins has raised taxes. In 2009, he raised the property tax rate by 1.8 percent and went to court to defend his increase.
http://www.buffalonews.com/
Myth #4 – Chris Collins said: “I’m down to earth.”
Fact #4 – Chris Collins felt the need to march ahead of veterans and first responders in the Lancaster 4th of July Parade. When parade organizers asked him to keep his in place in line, he was heard saying: “You’re in my County.”
http://www.buffalonews.com/
“Mark Poloncarz wants to discuss what matters to the taxpayers of Erie County and wants to run a campaign that focuses on the issues. Petty insults and misleading claims do not win votes. Poloncarz’s record as Comptroller speaks for itself. As County Executive, Poloncarz will continue to stand up for the citizens of Erie County and guard their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Peter Anderson, spokesperson for Mark Poloncarz’s campaign.