Most Discussed/ Concerned Items District 1 Residents Voice

I am for the development of the 8th street Gateway District; we must move the needle at some point and steer the wheel for development long term. I believe in transparency and accountability to the fullest on projects of this magnitude. The residents I spoke with felt left in the dark, the majority I spoke with were ok with the development of the area, but it was the manner in which the process proceeded and, in the approval, and purchases of the land. I also believe more information is needed on the long-term goal of this project. I believe this project also needs a collaborative effort from state and federal leaders to advocate for the project and earmark funds for the future to be used on this project so it will not be placed solely on the Millcreek taxpayers to bear the brunt of the cost. 

Every resident has a major concern, as do I, about the future of our airport. We need to keep the airport functioning. The current pilot shortage has played a major role in this, we have no control over an airline pulling out of ERI due to staffing issues on the airline carrier. A collaborative effort of funds I believe is going to be the route taken to draw in regional carriers. As in other small regional airports the funds are used to lower fees the air carriers pay to fly into ERI. I’m hopeful the Airport Authority and the Airport Director can navigate this turbulent air with a successful outcome. 

I’m in favor of the community college; I personally did not take the traditional college route after high school and attended Erie Institute of Technology (E.I.T). This year ECCC graduated 28 students and that is just a start. In time I am hopeful the ECCC grows and continues to succeed. We need to keep driving home education in our local communities and motivate individuals to attend, and in turn be a positive outcome for everyone. I’m hopeful businesses will grow, stay and work with our local higher forms of education to train a work force that is desperately needed to fill positions currently and start careers here in Erie County. 

As we are all aware over the past years, we have seen a major shift in volunteerism in Erie County and our country. As a result, funding is needed to run these local ems programs. There has been discussion over how to move forward and talks of forming an authority. I would like to see close to 100% cooperation from the municipalities prior to the authority forming. There are a few municipalities already handling the situation without the county’s oversight. I fully believe more information is needed before we dive into this new authority.

As I’ve stated before the administration can choose the direction they feel necessary for Erie County to move into the post pandemic world. It is on county council who has the ability to vote up or down on any issue when it’s comes to county finances, the health, safety and well being of the residents. 

As your councilman I have a bipartisan approach if it is an impactful positive result for Erie County no matter what party is in charge of the administration I will be in support.