Poloncarz delivers State of the County

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - On Wednesday, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz delivered his first speech detailing the State of Erie County from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

The State of the County address is a chance for the county executive to lay out a plan for the future and tout accomplishments. Poloncarz used the opportunity to say he is not anti-business, and one of his visions for the future is a reformed Erie County Industrial Development Agency, which he called "dysfunctional."

Poloncarz says he wants the county to get its money's worth from projects that include taxpayer dollars. He says that doesn't mean he's anti-business, it means he's pro-taxpayer. He would like businesses to justify why taxpayer money is needed.

The county executive also said he's improved relations with ECMC and the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority. He also touted what is arguably his biggest accomplishment: signing a lease with the Buffalo Bills.

"It's a fair deal for state and local taxpayers, one reached because all parties involved were willing to compromise," Poloncarz said. "Moreover, it's a deal that will keep the team here in Buffalo today, tomorrow and also for years to come by preparing for the possibility of a new stadium."

"I want to thank my county team for all the work that they've done."

The reason Poloncarz held his speech at the Albright-Knox was because it's considered a cultural asset to the county. He says one of his top accomplishments was restoring a transparent funding process for culturals through an advisory board.