Recent acts of violence, from the horrific mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis where children were attending Mass, to the murder of a young Ukrainian refugee in Charlotte, the killing of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, are a stark reminder of how far we have strayed. Our nation was built on the freedom to speak, the freedom to debate, and the ability to disagree respectfully. Violence is the ultimate betrayal of those principles. Disagreement should challenge ideas, not endanger lives. America grows stronger when we bring together different perspectives, not when anger and hate divide us. As a county legislator, I see my role as modeling that principle. I can completely disagree with colleagues, whether across the aisle or in my own caucus, but I will always respect them as people. That is how democracy works and how we honor the ideals our nation was built upon.
As we marked the 24th anniversary of the September 11th attacks last week, we remembered the lives lost and the courage of first responders. But we also remembered who we were on September 12, a nation united, putting aside divisions to care for one another, to volunteer, and to rebuild. “Never forget” must mean more than remembering tragedy. It must mean remembering that unity, that courage, and that shared sense of purpose. That same principle applies today. When making policy, we need to prioritize public safety and responsible decision-making instead of rushing to implement headline-chasing initiatives. That is what truly protects our communities and honors the values we stand for.
Closer to home, I have been hearing from many residents about rising energy bills. These higher costs are no accident. They are the result of state leaders pushing a rushed transition away from fossil fuels without a realistic plan for how Western New Yorkers are supposed to keep the lights on. The Blizzard of 2022 showed that solar panels and wind turbines cannot keep homes safe during brutal storms and widespread outages. Families relied on gas fireplaces or stoves to survive when the power went out. We need to prioritize public safety and responsible decision-making instead of rushing to implement headline-chasing policy. A balanced energy plan that includes natural gas and other reliable sources is practical and saves lives.
A recent vote at the county legislature involved the proposal for affordable housing at Canalside. While I understand the need for affordable housing, I voted no because placing it on prime waterfront property comes with significant costs. The project includes a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement, meaning the county will forgo millions in potential revenue that could support local services. Canalside is one of Buffalo’s most valuable economic assets, and using it for housing limits opportunities to drive tourism, attract businesses, and generate long-term growth. Responsible development should prioritize projects that maximize economic impact and make our waterfront a destination for the entire region. This decision is about ensuring that our county makes strategic choices for generations to come.
Not all of my recent work has been heavy. I had the pleasure of stopping by the Taste of East Aurora, a wonderful showcase of local pride. I also visited the West Seneca Senior Center, joined the Town of Wales for their 9/11 vigil, and celebrated the Iroquois School District’s Butterfly Athletic Park being named one of America’s best inclusive playgrounds. These moments remind me why I serve — because government should be about people, not politics.
As always, if you have a county-related question or concern, please reach out to my office at 716-858-8922 or by email at Lindsay.Lorigo@erie.gov. To stay in the loop, follow me on Facebook at Legislator Lindsay Lorigo.
