BUFFALO (WNED) – Today is Thursday and Tuesday is Election Day and the candidates for county executive were out on the hustings yesterday going at each other in a race some believe is very close.
County Executive Collins and challenger Mark Poloncarz are flailing at each other in quest of every vote and making sure every supporter marks a ballot.
Collins attacked Comptroller Poloncarz for taking a campaign contribution from a union representing the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department.
“They are going to everything they can to stop the trend here in Erie County,” Collins told WNED news.
Poloncarz also called for more money for arts and cultural organizations, mostly cut off by Collins.
“We’re talking about a small nut,” said Poloncarz regarding the $500,000 he would give to smaller groups.
Poloncarz says cultural groups produce tax revenues and jobs.
Meanwhile, Poloncarz promised to make his deputy executive would be a “jobs czar.”
“I want to develop new jobs from our friends in Canada,” Poloncarz said.
Collins scoffed at the Comptroller’s plans.
“He’s admitted he doesn’t know how to create jobs (that’s why). He’s going to hire a jobs czar. I do know. I have created jobs,” Collins said.
Poloncarz will likely get a boost at a rally at UAW hall in Amherst with expected appearances by Senator Charles Schumer and Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The Democratic challenger says he will “partner” with Cuomo to consolidate.
“We have too many governments. Erie County has over 700 special tax districts. New York State has over 7,000.”