As I take office as Erie County Executive, I have been told our commanding victory on election night gave me a mandate.  There is a mandate, but not for me personally. Instead, it is a mandate for change.

A change in how we approach government.  A change in how we deliver the vital services Erie County provides.  A change in how we treat taxpayers and their hard earned dollars.  A change from the status quo policies of the past in favor of new ideas and a commitment to moving forward.  And a change from the failed leadership of career politicians to an era of effective and efficient government managed by people who know what it takes to deliver.

In one way or another, I have been involved with Scouting for more than 50 years.  Scouting has taught me that the answers to some of life’s most complicated questions are rooted in common sense solutions.  I believe the same can be said for the problems that face Erie County. 

We need to ask ourselves:  Are we being thrifty with county tax dollars and treating them as if they were our own money?  Are we being helpful and courteous to the customers of county government?  Are we earning the trust of the owners of county government?  Are we prepared to meet the needs of our citizens and seize opportunity when it surfaces?  And are we brave enough to make the hard decisions even when they are not popular or politically advantageous?  I pledge to you that under my administration, the answers to those questions will always be yes.

We recently welcomed a new year.  A new year always brings with it the opportunity to start a new, the chance to forge a different path, and the hope of better tomorrows.  Erie County and its government also have an opportunity to start a new, the chance to forge a different path, and the hope of better tomorrows.  The hardworking taxpayers of this great county deserve that opportunity, that chance, and that hope.

As your new Erie County Executive, this county government is starting a new.  I am hiring the best and brightest….talented, driven, dedicated professionals who are committed to moving Erie County forward.  People are not being appointed based on party affiliation and favors owed, but rather their skill and ability to help turn Erie County government into something we can all be proud of.

As your new Erie County Executive, this county government is forging a new path.  Our focus will be the taxpayer and our decisions will be rooted in fairness, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness. 

And as your new Erie County Executive, this county government will do more than hope for a better tomorrow… we will create a better tomorrow for your family and my family by reforming our government, rebuilding our local economy and eventually, reducing our taxes.