Happy New Year. I hope you had a wonderful holiday. The new year always brings with it the promise of a new start, and resolutions mark a commitment to that goal. As such, I hope 2025 treats you and your loved ones well.
There will be a new Administration, as Donald J. Trump is sworn in for another term. This provides a new opportunity for both sides to work together for the betterment of our country. I’m optimistic that they can find common ground as they work to alleviate the challenges with inflation, and the issues surrounding a porous border and easy-on-crime initiatives that have disrupted our communities. While I have always been a supporter of legal immigration, the system currently in place is disruptive and not sustainable. For all those seeking a better life to realize that dream, there must be an impenetrable system in place. Coming here illegally and jumping the line isn’t fair to anyone. In addition, anyone who comes here looking to commit crimes and harm our citizens need to know the full force of the law. I am in full support of local police agencies working with federal law enforcement to identify the bad actors and hold them accountable. Fentanyl and other drugs, as well as violent gangs and human traffickers are putting far too many people at risk.
We lost a treasured former president in Jimmy Carter. Arguably the peace that he worked for after his presidency, and the good work he did with Habitat for Humanity will be his greatest legacies. I was disappointed, however, with the Administration’s decision to close county offices for the National Day of Mourning. County Executive Poloncarz did not close county offices following the death of former president George H.W. Bush. Additionally, it costs Erie County taxpayers more than one-million dollars for that one day. I think the most appropriate way to honor President Carter’s legacy is to serve the public, as he did his entire life.
I congratulate the Buffalo Bills on another outstanding season. The streak of being undefeated at home extended into the post-season this past Sunday with a win over the Denver Broncos. Here’s hoping that streak continues this coming weekend against the Baltimore Ravens. It’s an exciting time to be a Bills fan.
A reminder that our parks are open year-round with many events scheduled. Go to erie.gov and click on parks. One of those upcoming events is Animal Track at Sprague Brook Park. Scheduled for February 9 at 10a, a park ranger will teach you how to identify many animal footprints.
If you have a county related issue, please reach out to my office at (716) 858-8922 or by email Lindsay.Lorigo@erie.gov
