I want to wish you a very happy and healthy new year. I hope you enjoyed the holiday season with those near and dear to you. May 2025 be a year of peace.
I am grateful to my colleagues for once again selecting me to be Minority Leader in the Erie County Legislature. It is my honor and privilege to lead my caucus through this coming year. I am proud of my many years in public service, and as always, I am thankful to the residents of the 11th district for allowing me to represent you.
I know that Erie County is facing some fiscal challenges, and as such, I look forward to managing the budget in a way that properly respects the taxpayers, while still ensuring infrastructure work and other important services continue to be properly funded.
As a country, we will have a new Administration for the next four years. I will support efforts that aim to keep our communities safe and our borders secure. As a border county we understand the need to ensure we do all we can to keep fentanyl and other illicit drugs from making it into our country and generally protect our citizens. I have always favored legal immigration, but there is a proper way to come into this country, and in fairness to all that desire a better life, we must be certain that laws are followed.
I also know that many families have faced tough fiscal times these last few years. I remain hopeful that inflation will ease, and those struggling will find it easier to get by in the coming year. The fact that Buffalo and Western New York is projected to be the hottest real estate market in 2025 says a lot about how this region is positioning itself, and the opportunities that exist.
I join the rest of the country in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter. He was a true man of peace who left a legacy that will be admired for generations to come.
The Buffalo Bills gave us much to celebrate this year, and I am encouraged that when the new stadium opens, we will have a team that will give us reason to cheer for generations to come. As the legislator representing Orchard Park, it is important we allow traditions to continue, while also working to make sure fans heading to and from the game are safe. I have long supported sidewalks to better protect those Bills faithful. In the meantime, it’s been a great season for the Buffalo Bills. I congratulate them on this past Sunday’s playoff win and am hoping we can cheer them on to victory again against the Baltimore Ravens this coming Sunday.
If you have a county related issue, reach out to my office at 716-858-8850 or by email John.Mills@erie.gov
