Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 2h

Today I was proud to release our 2026 budget proposal. The budget provides for needed services and cuts the tax rate, while also preparing for the coming fiscal storm in 2027 and beyond from the big shift of costs from the feds to counties.

Review the 2026 budget here:
www3.erie.gov/budget/count...

4

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 6h

At 10 AM I will be releasing my proposed county budget for 2026. It is a balanced and fiscally prudent budget that meets the needs of our constituents and holds the line on taxes.

You can watch the presentation live at 10 AM at the county's YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/ErieCountyNY

Erie County NY

Official YouTube site for the government of Erie County, New York

www.youtube.com

1

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 18h

While I'm glad to see Rob Ortt denounce the horrible comments made by his former staffer and other young Republicans in a chat group, it says a lot about the future leaders of the GOP and their party when this is what they say to each other when they think no one else will see it.

Just terrible.

‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat

Thousands of private messages reveal young GOP leaders joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape.

www.politico.com

2 4 7

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 20h

Regarding the long delayed and unfinished Heritage Point project at Canalside, and as I said earlier today, I have one message for the developer: Get the damn thing done.

www.wkbw.com/news/local-n...

'Get the damn thing done': Erie County Executive demands action on development of Heritage Point

County Executive Poloncarz expressed frustration with developer Nick Sinatra over the continued delays at Heritage Point, the $40 million mixed-use project that remains idle in the heart of Canalside.

www.wkbw.com

1 1 7

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 1d

When Sumitomo announced its closing, I created a Task Force to address the use of the site and help displaced workers. That Task Force and my office have worked with Sumitomo, culminating in today's announcement. I thank all involved and welcome HWA to Erie County.

www.wkbw.com/news/local-n...

Hwa Fong Rubber to purchase former Sumitomo Rubber facility and transform it into industrial park

Hwa Fong Rubber has announced its intent to purchase the former Sumitomo Rubber facility and property in the Town of Tonawanda.

www.wkbw.com

5

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 1d

Good news as Sumitomo has announced it is selling its site in Tonawanda to HWA of Taiwan, which will open an industrial park to manufacture automotive-related products, create up to 250 jobs and subdividing the site for other businesses, thereby creating more jobs on-site. 1/2

Hwa Fong Rubber to purchase former Sumitomo Rubber facility and transform it into industrial park

Hwa Fong Rubber has announced its intent to purchase the former Sumitomo Rubber facility and property in the Town of Tonawanda.

www.wkbw.com

1 3 10

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 1d

Well that salvaged an otherwise stinky sports day. Blake Snell was unhittable and the rest of the Dodgers found a way to win it.

3

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 2d

Let us all hope this peace continues and and eventual two-state solution is reached.

www.nbcnews.com/world/middle...
2/2

Live updates: All living Israeli hostages released from Gaza; Trump, world leaders sign peace deal in Egypt

Follow live updates as Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are released. Presidents Trump and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi are expected to meet with other leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza’s future.

www.nbcnews.com

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 2d

Today is a very good day. We should all be thankful that the final living Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been released and there is a road map for peace.

Everyone involved in reaching this point deserves credit: Israelis, Palestinians, regional leaders, and President Trump. 1/2

Live updates: All living Israeli hostages released from Gaza; Trump, world leaders sign peace deal in Egypt

Follow live updates as Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are released. Presidents Trump and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi are expected to meet with other leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza’s future.

www.nbcnews.com

1 1

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 2d

On Wednesday, I will be releasing our 2026 Budget Proposal. As announced, the county's tax rate will be cut to $3.09, the lowest tax rate in county history.

As a result, many homeowners will pay less in county property taxes compared to last year. Here are 4 such examples across the county:

1 1

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 2d

Erie County is proud to be the home of the the Seneca Nation's Cattaraugus Territory and Tonawanda Seneca Nation. Our region has been enriched by our indigenous friends' culture for centuries. On #IndigenousPeoplesDay, learn more about the Seneca Nation at sni.org

4 28

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 3d

Nice turnout today at the 87th General Pulaski Association Parade and following Fall Fest. Lindsey, Eleanor, Abigail and I enjoyed our walk and checking out the festivities afterwards.

Thank you to everyone who came and the Fall Fest continues until later tonight.

2

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 3d

A message from the president, in which he forgets he was president of the United States on January 6, 2021.

3 17

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 3d

As a reminder, the county does NOT determine your property tax assessment, the cities and towns do. All we can control is the tax rate, and that is going down once again and will be the lowest tax rate of all WNY counties, by a lot. 2/2

1 1

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 3d

This week I will be releasing our 2026 proposed county Budget. This was not an easy budget to prepare due to increased mandated expenses, but I am proud to say we will continue the trend of lowering the property tax rate to the lowest rate in modern history. 1/2

1 1 5

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 3d

Hope to see everyone today at the 87th Annual Pulaski Day Parade at 1:00pm on Main Street in Williamsville.

The parade will start at Williamsville South HS and end at Cayuga Road, after which everyone is welcome to attend the General Pulaski Association Fall Fest at Williamsville's Island Park.

1 2

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 4d

Due to overwhelming demand, the Erie County Department of Health has scheduled four more COVID-19 vaccine clinics as listed in the picture.

To schedule an appointment, please click the below link and fill out the online form for your desired site.
www3.erie.gov/covid/vax-ca...

1 6 14

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 4d

The Association with be holding its 87th Pulaski Day Parade in Williamsville tomorrow starting at 1 PM at Williamsville South HS on Main Street and then marching into the village, followed by its Fall Festival: www.generalpulaski.com/events/87th-...

87th Annual Pulaski Day Parade — General Pulaski Association, Inc.

The 87th Annual Pulaski Day Parade will take place on October 12, 2025, at 1:00pm on Main Street in Williamsville. The parade will start at Williamsville South HS and end at Cayuga Road. Entry blanks...

www.generalpulaski.com

1

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 4d

It's always my pleasure to join the members of the General Pulaski Association to lay a wreath honoring General Casimir Pulaski's sacrifice to our young nation before the monument to him in Buffalo.

Don't forget...1/2

1 3 4

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 4d

Congratulations to all the honorees at last night's 53rd Black Achievers Inc. Gala. Thank you to all for what you do to make our community as great as it is.

Congratulations also to the Black Achievers team for another wonderful event.

6

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 4d

Save the Date! On Saturday, October 25, join your friends and neighbors at Canalside as we celebrate the 200th "Birthday" of the opening of the Erie Canal.

Bring the family for a fun and educational day with many of our arts and cultural partners.

3 6

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 5d

Let us all hope the ceasefire holds, the remaining hostages are returned, and the hostilities finally end after so many innocent lives have been lost.

Only through a 2 state solution will a long-term peace be obtained. Hopefully this is the start towards that goal.
www.reuters.com/world/live-i...

www.reuters.com

1 3

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 5d

The indictment of State Attorney General Letitia James is baseless, malicious and disgraceful. This ongoing use of the Department of Justice to attempt to gain revenge against people who hold President Trump accountable is beyond outrageous.

My full statement below.

3 20

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 6d

The @eriecounty.bsky.social Office of Health Equity has put out a great newsletter about the importance of vaccines, including the facts about them, not opinion, and why everyone needs to be vaccinated.

The newsletter is also available in other languages:
www3.erie.gov/health/vacci...

6

Mark Poloncarz @markpoloncarz.bsky.social · 6d

Thank you to the West Seneca and Amherst Democratic Committees for welcoming me tonight to talk about how we Democrats are fighting for the people of our communities and country.

I am proud to be a member of the party that will always fight for the men, women and families of our country.

5