Poloncarz addresses economics, ethics, environment in State of the County

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz outlined an ambitious set of initiatives for the beginning of his second term while addressing a crowd of more than 200 people in his State of the County address, delivered in the stately auditorium of the Buffalo History Museum.

The county executive, giving the first address of his second term, struck a positive tone Thursday about the direction of the region, but also repeatedly drove home the message that everyone in the county needs to enjoy the gains experienced in recent years.

“Our community can only be as great as it can be when all the members of the community are strong,” Poloncarz said. “Now is the time to make all boats rise with the tide.”

Poloncarz’s initiatives focus on economic, ethical and environmental issues, including a ban on plastic bags, increased efforts to battle lead poisoning and a requirement that developers hire a certain percentage of local workers on construction projects. The county executive received multiple rounds of applause from the friendly crowd as he outlined each his 10 initiatives.

Poloncarz highlighted accomplishments of his first term, noting the signing of the state’s first microbeads law, the creation of a poverty committee and infrastructure investments of more than $100 million. He also celebrated decade lows for unemployment in the county and new development projects.

While the changes in Buffalo are undeniable, there remain persist challenges that are driving many initiatives. New federal figures show that lead poisoning in Western New York, mostly tied to lead paint, is worse than in Flint, Michigan, where significant attention has been paid to the city’s lead-contaminated water. As is happening across the country, deaths related to opioid abuse have been steadily rising. Water quality continues to present safety issues and detract from quality of life in a region rich with abundant access to lakes and tributaries. And the call from community organizations and advocacy groups to address issues of racial disparity in employment and wealth continue to grow louder.

During his speech Poloncarz made the case that his administration, in collaboration with community and government partners, is prepared to move forward with his plans and ensure that the residents of Erie County all have an opportunity to participate in the “Buffalo Renaissance” that is occurring.

“The state of Erie County is strong and getting stronger everyday, but we can do better,” Poloncarz said. “Now is our opportunity to lead and build the community we have always wanted to be.”