I hope you enjoyed your Independence Day celebrations. This country has been the place so many have sought refuge over the past 250 years. It remains a land of hope and opportunity, and I am grateful to raise my children here.
I was troubled by the violence that disrupted the July 4th celebrations in the City of Buffalo. I hope that we find all those responsible and they are charged accordingly. This was a significant birthday, and it is unfortunate that the recognition of this important day can be ruined by a few. I know most Western New Yorkers were looking forward to this day. I hope most everyone was able to enjoy the celebration safely.
We began mid-year budget hearings this week. It is a time when we meet with all the department heads to find out if, halfway through 2026, their spending is where it should be. Erie County’s budget has grown significantly since Mark Poloncarz became County Executive in 2012. That is concerning. We are not a region that is growing in population, yet Erie County is spending more than ever before. In addition, numerous jobs have been added. That begs the question, if we are not a region growing in numbers, why does this Administration keep adding jobs, adding to the expense borne by taxpayers? My hope is no department is over budget at this point in the year.
A reminder that roadwork in the 6th district continues this summer. Here in Erie County, we have a short window with which to get that work done. Cold recycle with top course treatment on Roll Road, Thompson and Stahley, with oil and chip work being done on Salt and Schurr, and engineering work on Greiner Road. We appreciate your patience as Erie County works to complete these projects.
Erie County has a suite at the new Buffalo Bills stadium. The county is accepting applications from eligible Erie County-based charitable organizations interested in entering a lottery for the opportunity to have the suite for a Bills home game. The application period closes on July 24th. Eligible charitable organizations may apply online at https://www4.erie.gov/suites/ Allowing these organizations use of this suite is the appropriate use. It should not be for politicians to use it whenever they wish.
I hope you are continuing to enjoy our beautiful Buffalo summers. If you have a county related issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 716-858-8676, or by email at Christopher.Greene@erie.gov You can also stay up to date on Erie County issues by following me on Facebook at Legislator Chris Greene. As always, thank you for the honor of serving you.
