Last week we commemorated the 24th anniversary of September 11th. On that day, so many lives were lost in New York City, where brave first responders answered the call without concern for their own well-being. Countless others mourned the deaths and the tragedy that occurred that day. Many more would die when a plane crashed into the Pentagon, and over a field in Pennsylvania. As a nation we came together. No one cared about someone’s political affiliation. Political differences were set aside to help those in need. We cared for the families of the victims. Volunteers came from all over the country to help New York City in whatever capacity they were needed. Many of those volunteers paid the price years later. Toxic exposure around Ground Zero led to long-lasting health problems and often times, death.
I reflect on that time at a moment when political violence is on the rise. The recent deaths of a state lawmaker in Minnesota and her husband were troubling. Then last week, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was gunned down on a college campus. Kirk enjoyed debate and dialogue with young people. He encouraged it. We must be able to have discussion on issues without it turning to violence. That is never the answer. Our country is diverse. We have issues that are important to us. We need to find a way back to when there could be civil discourse. It is never ok to resort to violence to try and silence the opposition. We need to return to what make this country the land of opportunity and the promise for so many. We should be able to disagree in a civil way, and work toward compromise and solutions together. This dangerous path cannot continue.
Last week I attended a meeting with officials from NYSEG. Many of you have rightfully complained about bills going up. However, policies being forced upon us by many of our state lawmakers is what is driving up the cost. We cannot just rely on power sources like wind, solar and electricity. We best serve our constituents when we diversify. In the deadly Blizzard of 2022, many more may have died if not for their gas fireplaces or stoves. Natural gas was a lifeline that kept people warm and prevented pipes from freezing. It’s dangerous and unrealistic to think a community like Western New York, where weather is often a factor, can rely so much on unreliable sources. The fact that we send our cheap electric downstate is also troubling. Our representatives in Albany need to be fighting for us, not acquiescing to downstate lawmakers who act with little care or concern for our region.
The Erie County Legislature returns from August recess and soon we will be presented with the County Executive’s 2026 spending plan. It is my hope that he puts the brakes on spending. Mark Poloncarz has grown government over his many years in office, which places a heavier burden on taxpayers.
Thank you for the honor of serving you. If you have a county related concern, contact my office at 716-681-2071 or by email at Frank.Todaro-erie.gov. You can also visit my website by going to Erie.gov and click on District 8.
