We received Mark Poloncarz’s proposed 2026 budget this week. We will review the plan over the next several weeks and hold a public hearing where you will have your chance to comment on his spending plan. The proposed 2026 General Fund totals $2.081 billion, and a projected sales tax growth of 1.5%. One thing remains clear; Mark Poloncarz likes to spend taxpayers’ dollars, as the budget has grown every year over the past several years.
Last week I co-sponsored a resolution which the Erie County Legislature voted unanimously in favor of in support of a federal bill that calls for AM radio to remain in vehicles. Recently, some automakers have begun removing broadcast AM radio from cars, particularly electric vehicles. The AM signal is among the most reliable during storms. The violent weather often takes out cell towers, power lines and broadband, but the AM radio will continue to broadcast, issuing directives and providing weather updates. The federal legislation has bipartisan support.
I am also in support of the Energy Choice Act in Congress. This region cannot be so reliant on electricity, wind and solar for our energy needs. Remember the Blizzard of 2022, where many residents relied on gas stoves and natural gas to heat their homes. If they didn’t have these options many more lives may have been lost. The overly aggressive approach by the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act which mandates emissions reductions and energy restrictions goes way too far and is unrealistically reliant on energy sources that don’t always function when storms hit our region. That approach could put people at risk and even cost lives.
Halloween is approaching, and there are many events in my district. In Amherst, the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village’s annual Trick or Treat offerings include a drive-thru trick or treat and traditional trick or treat. You can register by visiting BNHV.org/bnhv-events. Drive-Thru trick or treat will be held from 6-8pm October 16th. Attendees drive through the historic village, enjoying stops at candy stations along the way. Admission is $8 per car. The traditional trick or treat will be held from 4:30-8:30pm on October 17 and 18. Attendees will visit historic structures to receive candy along the route, take selfies and enjoy refreshments at the Rotary Pavilion, provided by the Rotary Club of Amherst. All stops for both events will offer an allergy-safe treat or prize option. Admission is $10 children and $8 adults.
The Clarence Global Methodist Church holds its 39th annual Apple Festival 10a-2p October 18 at 10205 Greiner Road. The Clarence Chamber will hold the Silent Disco Community Event on October 17 from 7-10pm at the Clarence Town Park Clubhouse. Preregistration is required. The Clarence Fire District No. 1 will hold their open house on October 18 from 11am to 3pm at 10355 Main Street, and the Halloween headlamp hike will be October 25 from 6-8pm at the Clarence Nature Center, 9030 Sheridan Drive.
If you have a county related issue, contact my office at 716-858-8676 or by email at Christopher.Greene@erie.gov, and follow me on Facebook at Legislator Chris Greene.
