At the recent State of the County address, County Executive Mark Poloncarz spoke at length about affordability. But after listening to the speech and watching the actions that followed, I was left asking an important question: what does affordability actually mean to this administration?
One of the headline ideas proposed by the County Executive during his State of the County address was a brand-new county lightbulb exchange program. Shortly after, I joined colleagues in proposing a cap on Erie County’s share of the sales tax on gasoline to provide residents relief at the pump when gas prices spike.
The difference in priorities could not have been clearer.
Our proposal was simple: Erie County should not continue collecting more sales tax revenue simply because families are forced to pay higher gas prices. At a time when residents are struggling with the cost of groceries, utilities, and everyday necessities, local government should look for opportunities to provide relief — not profit from inflation.
Unfortunately, the gas tax cap proposal failed along party lines.
I do not believe affordability is addressed by creating new government programs while opposing direct tax relief for taxpayers. Residents are looking for practical solutions that actually lower costs and make it easier to stay in Erie County.
As the Legislature worked to close out the financial books for 2025, we were able to come together and reject the County Executive’s proposed lightbulb exchange program. Instead, funding was secured to continue the storefront revitalization program, which has helped strengthen local business districts and encourage investment throughout Erie County. Supporting small businesses and improving commercial corridors is a far better use of taxpayer dollars than creating unnecessary new programs.
Many residents are already aware of the ongoing debate surrounding the youth hunting law passed overwhelmingly by the Erie County Legislature. The measure allows 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer and bear with a licensed adult under the same framework already permitted under New York State law.
Despite bipartisan support and years of DEC safety data showing the program operates responsibly, the County Executive vetoed the legislation. I continue to believe this bill is about family traditions, responsible outdoor education, conservation, and safely passing down skills from one generation to the next. I have requested that the Legislature take up an override vote next Thursday, and I remain hopeful the Legislature will stand by its original vote.
I will continue fighting for practical policies that put taxpayers first and keep residents informed on the issues facing Erie County.
If you have a county-related concern, please contact my office at 716-858-8922 or by email at Lindsay.Lorigo@erie.gov. You can also follow me on Facebook at Legislator Lindsay Lorigo.
