Nalina Shapiro

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – There’s a new man in charge of Erie County Sunday night.

Mark Poloncarz took the oath of office Sunday as County Executive. And he says the clock is already ticking on his top priorities.

Mark Poloncarz pledged to put the people first after he was sworn in as Erie County’s 8th Executive on new years day.

Erie County Executive, Mark Poloncarz said, “Jobs. Number one of my administration will be promoting job creation and economic development.”

Poloncarz is only the second Democrat ever elected to the post.

He was first county comptroller to win the executive seat in it’s 51 year history.

The insider, who replaced Republican Chris Collins, is not pleased with what he sees.

Poloncarz added, “Although we’ve come a long way in the last 7 years there are many challenges for Erie county.”

Negotiating seven union contracts, including the county’s largest public sector union, is one challenge.

Democratic Chairman Len Lenihan tells News 4 the challenge will be treating the unions fairly, but not generously.

Poloncarz will also have to deal with the Buffalo Bills over the lease agreement for Ralph Wilson Stadium.

He wants to keep the team here, but Erie County doesn’t have a full bank account.

Lenihan says they will be looking to the state for financial help.

Erie County Democratic Chairman, Len Lenihan said, “He doesn’t dislike government he just wants government to work.”

Getting more Canadians to invest in our area will be one of Poloncarz’s many projects.

Rep. Brian Higgins said, “From the waterfront to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus to downtown Buffalo, really moving this region forward and developing a strategic relationship economically with southern Ontario is going ot be very important.”

“Economic development is a key area I want to see significant focus. Helping businesses to grow and creating jobs,” added Mayor Byron Brown.

He’s got a lot of work to do but Poloncarz says he’s up to the challenge.

http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/politics/poloncarz-promises-jobs-in-oath-of-office

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *