I want to thank the voters of Erie County, and the 6th Legislative District in particular, for rejecting Erie County Proposition One, which would have eliminated a public referendum on sales tax extension. It’s important to maintain a proper measure of checks and balances on government and elected officials that this referendum allows for. The measure was soundly defeated, with more than 62% of Erie County voters denying efforts to change the county charter and limit their voices.
It is budget time, as the Erie County Legislature reviews Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz’s 2025 proposed budget. We spent last week hearing from commissioners and department heads, and earlier this week held a public hearing where non-profits and other organizations seeking county funding made presentations to the body. In the coming weeks we will be working through the budget process. The County Executive’s spending plan totals $1.96 billion, an increase of 1.38% from 2024, and property taxes will increase more than $14 million. This means property taxes have gone up $83 million during the tenure of Mark Poloncarz. It should be noted that the budget has increased nearly 43% since this Administration began proposing budgets. At a time when the cost of living has gone up dramatically and we are seeing a mass exodus from New York State, we need to do all we can to make living here more manageable, so that our children and grandchildren will want to stay.
The holiday season is also upon us. It’s important to remember there are many who struggle during these times. There are many events for those who either want to help those less fortunate, or who find themselves in need during this season. Some events you may be interested in include the 35th Annual Christmas Auction hosted by the Akron-Newstead Rotary Club at the American Legion on Eckerson Avenue December 6th at 6pm; the Clarence Community Foundation’s holiday basket raffle to support its service to Clarence youth and families. Go to clarencecommunityfoundation.org to learn more; the Clarence Youth Bureau and Lion’s Club Breakfast With Santa event on December 8 at the Clarence Town Park Clubhouse; Christmas in the Center on Saturday, December 14 at the intersection of Goodrich and Clarence Center Roads; Light Up Akron Christmas Parade hosted by The Akron Chamber of Commerce which will be held on December 14th beginning at 4:30pm in front of Akron Schools; the Amherst Police Department’s event with a chili cook off with celebrity judge Rob Ray, donation of non-perishable food items in coordination with the Buffalo Sabres Alumni, games and more, along with a visit from Sabretooth and Santa. The event takes place at the Amherst Police Community Policing and Training Facility; Rock Out Hunger’s annual food drive with 97 Rock on-air personality DJ Jickster. From November 19th to November 26th, DJ Jickster will live in a FeedMore WNY trailer at Millard Fillmore Suburban hospital, collecting food and funds to nourish the community this holiday season.
I hope you and your family enjoy your Thanksgiving. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. If you have any county-related issues, contact my office at 716-858-8676, or by email, Christopher.Greene@erie.gov
