By Jaclyn Asztalos
“I think he’s afraid to address the public,” Poloncarz said.
“Simply put, he wants to be the county czar,” Collins added.
“I don’t think he’s made the best choices for the people of Erie County,” Poloncarz added.
With many responses and rebuttals like these, there was a lot of reaction from the students.
“I found it was interesting how they reacted to each other and did not agree with each other’s opinions.” Student Tim Jackson said.
It was all part of the St. Joe’s High School Debate, giving students the opportunity to ask questions.
“You will not see to raise taxes on the people of Erie County. It this a fiscally responsible claim to make?” a student asked.
“I have no intention on raising taxes,” Poloncarz responded.
“Saying it so doesn’t make it so especially when it isn’t so,” Collins rebuttaled.
The students also touched on job creation, infrastructure development and their philosophies of running a county. The candidates said the questions were challenging.
“Very impressed with questions they asked. It’s there future we’re talking about,” Collins said
“We had some fantastic questions by the students. In some cases more challenging questions than the debate last week,” Collins added.
Although the candidates didn’t agree on much, they did come together on one issue.
“Polls are just a snapshot in time and what counts are the votes that are cast,” Poloncarz said.
Collins agreed.
“Polls don’t matter what matters is what happens on November 8th,” Collins said.
Student Evan Walsh said the bottom line is what the candidates do to help the people once they’re elected.
“Words can only say so much. I feel like what they do in office is really going to make a difference for everyone,” Walsh said.