The Erie County Legislature reconvened following the August recess. The Administration will soon be providing their proposed budget for 2026 which legislators will dissect and offer amendments. While Mark Poloncarz has spent his years as County Executive growing the Erie County budget exponentially, it is my hope that his plan for next year with rein in spending once and for all. It is unfair to taxpayers for Mark Poloncarz to continue adding programs and jobs and sticking you with the bill.
The assassination one week ago of Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk was horrendous. Resorting to violence to settle political scores is never the answer. As a society we must be able to debate issues and disagree without fear of death. We are a diverse nation where people have differing beliefs. We must work to find common ground, where we can share our opinions and have healthy discourse that might lead to solutions. Political violence has increased in recent years. The vitriol and hate only sow the seeds of discontent. When we force people into a corner that we feel best defines them, we don’t allow for reasoned dialogue, discussion that could well lead to compromise. By tearing each other down, rather than choosing to build one another up, we are continuing to promote that divide. We fail as a country and as people when we close our eyes to the reality before us.
We are fortunate to live in a country that is truly a melting pot of cultures, races, and religions. It is one which allows us to celebrate and practice those beliefs in ways so many other countries aren’t able. For generations we have been the promised land for so many; the last and greatest hope. We must return to a time when we could freely debate our differences, when we understood we were better united than divided, when open dialogue led to solutions. Elected leaders must do their part in leading the way. Constantly tweeting divisive comments only stokes the fire. That isn’t leadership.
Reflecting on last week’s events I am reminded of the country we were on September 12th, 2001. After experiencing the horrific attack on American soil, no one cared what letter was next to your name, what religion you practiced, or the neighborhood where you lived. We were Americans. We came together like never before. We showed compassion. We gave our support. We showed up to help however we could. We were a nation united. In the darkest of times, we came together. Let us remind ourselves how fortunate we are to live in a nation that still allows for freedom of expression; to worship how we choose, and vote for who we want. We cannot allow darkness to win. We must respect each other’s opinions and encourage one another. Let us return to a time when we could debate our beliefs without fear of death.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you. If you have a county related issue contact my office at 716-858-8676 or email at Christopher.Greene@erie.gov
