By: Kevin Jolly

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Former Comptroller Mark Poloncarz made his declaration Sunday as he was sworn in as the new Erie County Executive.

“Today county government is back in the hands of those who own it, the people of Erie County,” said Poloncarz.

Poloncarz is the eighth County Executive and just the second democrat to hold the office in its 51-year history. Poloncarz beat out Republican Chris Collins, who during his four years, said he would run the county like a business.

“Over the last several years, I think we all learned a lot about ourselves and about what government is and what it should be. Government is not a business and should not be run like one,” said Poloncarz.

Poloncarz echoed many of the themes he campaigned on – maintaining public places like libraries and parks, restoring funding to cultural organizations, and making sure health care is accessible to all residents.

“When our poorest, and often the youngest citizens needed access to quality affordable healthcare, clinics were closed,” said Poloncarz. “And when people were forced to turn to public assistance, they were met by a government that viewed them with disdain. Well that all changes.”

Poloncarz also pledged to reach across the aisle to Republicans and across the border to Canada to attract more business partnerships.

“Mark Poloncarz just outlined a strategic vision for the City of Buffalo, for Western New York, our relationship economically with southern Ontario. I think people have reason to be optimistic,” said Congressman Brian Higgins.

“One of the things he said which is exciting to me is that economic development creating an environment where businesses can grow and thrive and create jobs for the residents of this community that has been my number one priority as Mayor of the City of Buffalo,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.

“There are a lot of people, especially in my district, that need these services and these programs, especially the libraries and the culturals, and I think that’s something that he focused on today that that’s something he’s going make sure that stays on with regards to the county,” said Republican State Senator Mark Grisanti.

“What is pleasing is the reaching across the aisle and pledging to work with people of all parties, of all levels of government to advance our community, and I’m really pleased to hear that,” said Republican State Senator Patrick Gallivan.

County Executive Mark Poloncarz wrapped up the day with an open house at the County Office Building. He says this week he’ll issue a series of executive orders to implement many of the recommendations he made as Comptroller that could save the county millions of dollars.

http://buffalo.ynn.com/content/top_stories/568796/poloncarz-sworn-in-as-erie-county-executive/

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