Important Forum Cancelled after Candidate Cuts and Runs
Legislator’s Non-Existent Environmental Record, Support by Polluters Apparently Nix Participation
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, running an energetic campaign for re-election in 2019, was disappointed to learn this week that his opponent, county legislator Lynne Dixon, refused an opportunity to participate in a voters’ forum to be presented by the NY League of Conservation Voters. A non-partisan organization, the League of Conservation Voters advocates statewide for clean water, clean air, renewable energy and the protection and conservation of open space. Dixon’s refusal to face voters on important conservation matters resulted in the cancellation of the forum, just 41 days before Election Day.
“Mark has a strong environmental and conservation record as Erie County Executive and he is always talking to residents who understand the importance of leaving Erie County a better, cleaner place than it was when we got here. We are stewards of our natural resources and open spaces, protectors of these irreplaceable assets for future generations to enjoy and as County Executive Mark has been at the forefront of issues such as taking plastics out of our water, reducing single-use plastic bag usage and pollution, conserving forests and wetlands, and reducing Erie County’s greenhouse gas footprint,” said Poloncarz 2019 campaign spokesman Peter Anderson.
“He understands the need to act today to create a better tomorrow for our children and had looked forward to this forum to discuss these issues with the audience and his opponent. So he was disappointed, but not surprised, to learn that she pulled a fade on this one and headed for the exit rather than the podium.
In her ten years at the legislature Mark’s opponent has done nothing to protect our environment, has no record at all and has actually stood in the way of progress. While Mark has worked to build a cleaner county, she has taken campaign contributions from polluters. Voters want to know where the candidates stand on issues of pollution and conservation, and the differences here could not be more stark, which is why Mark’s opponent skipped out on this one.”
Poloncarz’ strong record of environmental protection includes many highlights. He signed a local law prohibiting the sale of personal cosmetic products containing microbeads in Erie County, the first law of its type in NYS and one which the federal government soon emulated. Under his leadership, Erie County strengthened its commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Poloncarz also expanded the hugely popular Household Hazardous Waste collection program in Erie County, helping homeowners to safely dispose of wastes that should not be thrown in the trash; worked with the WNY Land Conservancy to add protected acreage in the 18 Mile Creek watershed; and has been a strong advocate for environmental education and awareness.
