Mark Poloncarz
Mark C. Poloncarz | |
|---|---|
| Erie County Executive | |
| Assumed office January, 2012 | |
| Preceded by | Chris Collins |
| Erie County Comptroller | |
| In office 2006–2011 | |
| Preceded by | James Hartman |
| Succeeded by | Stefan Mychajliw |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 7, 1967 Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University at Buffalo (BA), University of Toledo (JD) |
| Website | markpoloncarz.com |
Mark Poloncarz (November 7, 1967-present) is an American politician, serving as the 8th Erie County New York Executive and is Vice Chair of the National Democratic County Officials. He formerly served as the North East Regional Representative for the National Association of Counties and currently serves on their finance committee.
In addition to successfully negotiating two Buffalo Bills NFL lease agreements, Poloncarz led Erie County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic[1], the 2022 Buffalo shooting, a racially motivated mass shooting at a Tops Supermarket that claimed 10 lives [2], and multiple weather disasters, including the December 2022 North American winter storm[3].
Early life, education, and career
Mark Charles Poloncarz was born November 7, 1967 in Buffalo, New York to Polish-American parents. His father was a steelworker at Bethlehem Steel and his mother was a nurse.
The eldest of three brothers, Poloncarz was raised in Lackawanna, New York and graduated from Lackawanna Senior High School before attending the University at Buffalo. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in political science in 1989 and attended the University of Toledo, College of Law, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1997.
Prior to running for elected office, Poloncarz practiced business and finance law at Kavinoky and Cook. In 2003, he joined the John Kerry 2004 presidential campaign serving as Buffalo and Western New York coordinator and spokesperson. At the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Poloncarz was an at-large district delegate for John Kerry.
Political career
Erie County Comptroller 2006-2011
Following a financial crisis in Erie County, New York government, in April of 2005, Poloncarz announced a run for Erie County Comptroller. Poloncarz, the endorsed Democratic Party candidate, defeated opponents Robert Whalen and Richard Parwarski in the September democratic party primary[4].
In the November general election, Poloncarz ran against Republican John J. Canavan and Robert Whalen on the conservative line.[5] On November 8th, 2005 Poloncarz won the three-way Erie County Comptroller race with 56% of the vote.[6]
Much of Poloncarz’s first term was dedicated to restoring the credibility of the Erie County government and strengthening its financial position. In 2008, Poloncarz obtained the first increase in the county’s bond rating in nearly a decade.[7] Later that same year, he was able to arrange a $75 million revenue anticipation note for the county after all credit markets shut down during the 2007–2008 financial crisis[8]
In 2009, Poloncarz successfully ran for re-election against Republican Phillip C. Kadet and Independence Party candidate Michael J. Abramo earning 52% of the vote. [9]
Early in his second term, Poloncarz secured additional credit rating upgrades for Erie County. Moody’s Investor Services increased the county rating from Baa2 to A2. Later that year, Fitch Ratings increased as well from BBB+ to A.[10]
One of the most significant contributions of the Poloncarz comptroller administration was the creation of a ‘whistle blower hotline’ for the public to report waste, fraud, or abuse of county resources.
Erie County Executive 2011-present
In May of 2011, Poloncarz announced his candidacy for Erie County Executive.[11] Later that month, the Erie County Democratic Committee endorsed Poloncarz for election.[12] Poloncarz campaigned on restoring financial aid to the libraries and cultural institutions, reopening closed health clinics, investing in health and human services, and increasing programs and services while promising to be financially responsible with taxpayer dollars.[13]
Despite entering the race as an underdog, a poll conducted by The Buffalo News one month before the election determined the race was a statistical dead heat.[14]
On November 8, 2011, Poloncarz defeated Collins with 53% of the vote becoming Erie County’s 8th Executive and only the second democrat to hold the office.[15]
First term 2012-2015
During his first inaugural address, Poloncarz set the tone of his administration by saying “government is not a business, and it should not be run like one….government is concerned with the welfare of those it represents, all of its citizens, not just taxpayers.”[16]
His first term focused primarily on jump-starting the regional economy [17] [18] [19] and improving county services like the IDA, [20] Medicaid, [21] and the Department of Social Services.[22]
In October of 2012, Poloncarz released his 2013 proposed budget increasing the county’s tax levy and cutting jobs.[23] This began a debate between Poloncarz and the legislature which ultimately resulted in the legislature eliminating the proposed tax hike.[24]
During his first term, Poloncarz also announced the county, state, and professional football team had entered into a new 10-year lease extension at Ralph Wilson Stadium, thereby keeping the Bills in Buffalo.[25] The agreement included $130 million of capital investment at the stadium.[26]
Poloncarz led the county response to the November 13-21, 2014 North American winter storm, one of the worst to hit the region. It was known as "The Knife" storm by government officials and colloquially known as "Snowvember".[27]
In August of 2015, Poloncarz signed into law a bill that prohibited the sale of personal cosmetic products containing microplastics also known as microbeads.[28] This was one of the first pieces of legislation banning microbeads in the country, and later that year the federal government passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015.
Poloncarz sought a second term and ran against Republican NY State Assemblyman Ray Walter. On November 3rd 2015, Poloncarz won re-election with 65% of the vote.[29]
Second Term 2016-2019
Early in his second term, Poloncarz was named to the joint National Association of Counties and National League of Cities national task force addressing heroin and opioid abuse in March of 2016.[30] Later that same year, the task force issued its comprehensive report, "A Prescription for Action: Local Leadership in Ending the Opioid Crisis."[31]
Poloncarz's second term also sought to address issues like fair housing,[32] consumer protection,[33] climate change,[34] protections for LGBTQ minors,[35] and reform of the Erie County Ethic laws. [36]
Poloncarz, a son of a former Bethlehem Steel worker, made it a goal of his administration to revitalize the decades vacant facility. In 2017, Erie County acquired 150 acres of what would eventually become the 250 acre Renaissance Commerce Park.[37]
In 2019, Poloncarz announced an initiative to provide high-speed internet access to every town, city, and village in Erie County. The program, known as ErieNet, was one of the first comprehensive publicly owned high speed fiber networks in the United States. [38] Additionally, he announced a new health and human services plan called Live Well Erie to improve the health and wellness of children, working families, and seniors.
In September of 2019, Poloncarz published his first book Beyond the X's and O's: Keeping the Bills in Buffalo through SUNY Press. The book detailed the negotiations and discussions that led to the 2013 ten year lease extension between Erie County, the State of New York and the Buffalo Bills.[39]
Poloncarz announced he would seek a third term as county executive in February 2019.[40] Shortly thereafter, Erie County Legislator Lynne Dixon, an Independence Party member announced she would challenge Poloncarz on the Republican line.[41]
On November 5th, 2019, Poloncarz became only the second Erie County Executive to win a third term when he defeated Dixon by 7 points.[42]
Third Term 2020-2023
Early in his third term, the global COVID-19 Pandemic hit Erie County and became the administration's primary focus.
On March 15th, 2020, in response to the pandemic, Poloncarz declared a state of emergency and implemented a number of actions to reduce the spread.[43] It lasted almost two years until Poloncarz rescidended the state of emergency on March 5th, 2022. [44] At the height of the pandemic, Poloncarz implemented a series of measures that closely aligned with the New York state government response to the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines. At various times, Poloncarz and his health department were criticized for what was referred to as an overly aggressive approach. [45]
As part of the county vaccination rollout, Poloncarz gained national attention for his “shot and a chaser” campaign, which provided drink coupons to individuals who received the Covid vaccine. Poloncarz was featured on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah. [46] He also received widespread attention for his quarantine music video series "Songs for Friends," where he both played the guatair and sang covers of popular songs.[47]
In the summer of 2020, Poloncarz was elected to the executive board of the National Association of Counties as the North East Regional Representative. His region included all counties from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and Maryland.
Following the end of the State of Emergency, The Buffalo News noted, “for the attention and professionalism he brought to an impossible task, Poloncarz has earned the thanks of his constituents.” [48]
On March 28th, 2022, New York State, Erie County, and the Buffalo Bills announced that a deal had been reached to build a new stadium for the team that included a 30-year “ironclad” lease. As part of the agreement, Poloncarz committed on behalf of Erie County $250 million toward the construction of what was expected to be a $1.4 billion stadium. As part of the deal, Poloncarz also negotiated what became a more than $100 million community benefits agreement. [49]
County Executive Poloncarz was the first to publicly announce an active shooting event at the Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue during the 2022 Buffalo shooting. [50] As part of the response, Poloncarz directed the Erie County Department of Health’s Office of Health Equity to support community members affected by the shooting.[51]
In November 2022, significant portions of Erie County were hit with a snowstorm that dumped up to 81 inches of snow in less than 48 hours. Erie County’s response, led by Poloncarz, was commended for its efficiency in reopening the community in the storm's aftermath. [52] Four weeks later, Poloncarz led Erie County’s response efforts to the December 2022 North American winter storm, the worst blizzard to strike Buffalo since the Blizzard of 1977. Poloncarz was commended for leading the county’s response to the blizzard, and criticized for not issuing a driving ban earlier.[53]
In November of 2023, Poloncarz made history by being the first Erie County Executive elected to serve a fourth term.[54] He also announced he would not seek a fifth term.[55]
Fourth Term 2024-present
Early in his fourth term, Poloncarz joined other national county leaders on a tour of the United States Mexico Border in an effort to better understand the immigration crisis and how counties can best respond to it.[56]
During his 2024 State of the County, Poloncarz announced several new initiatives including an increased investment in affordable housing, the establishment of a county historical commission, and the creation of Erie Corps, modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps to offer youth job opportunities while protecting the county's natural assets.[57]
In the spring of 2025, Poloncarz presented a full accounting of how Erie County invested its $178 million American Rescue Plan grant.[58] The projects included major investments in sewer, parks, highway infrastructure, affordable housing, and creating a county wide high-speed fiberoptic broadband internet network known as Erie Net. None of the ARP funding was used to plug budget holes.
Electoral History
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mark Poloncarz | 133,463 | 55.8% | ||
| Republican | John Canavan | 89,712 | 37.4% | ||
| [[Conservative Party (United States)|Template:Conservative Party (United States)/meta/shortname]] | Robert Whelan | 16,335 | 6.8% | ||
| Total votes | 239,510 | 100.0% | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mark Poloncarz | 78,033 | 51.8% | ||
| Republican | Phil Kadet | 67,088 | 44.6 | ||
| Independent | Michael Abramo | 5,191 | 3.4% | ||
| Total votes | 150,312 | 100.0% | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mark Poloncarz | 123,053 | 52.8% | ||
| Republican | Chris Collins | 110,050 | 47.2% | ||
| Total votes | 233,103 | 100.0% | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mark Poloncarz | 96,629 | 65.6% | ||
| Republican | Raymond Walter | 49,141 | 33.4% | ||
| Green | Eric Jones | 1,489 | 1% | ||
| Total votes | 147,259 | 100.0% | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mark Poloncarz | 114,102 | 53.7% | ||
| Republican | Lynne Dixon | 98,415 | 46.3% | ||
| Total votes | 212,517 | 100.0% | |||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mark Poloncarz | 118,308 | 58.6% | ||
| Republican | Chrissy Casillio | 81,072 | 40.2% | ||
| Libertarian | Dwane Whitmer | 2,323 | 1.1% | ||
| Write-in | Mohammed Alam | 45 | 0.0% | ||
| Total votes | 201,748 | 100.0% | |||
References
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- ↑ Watkins, Emyle (2020-03-28). "With 70 new cases of coronavirus, Erie County total rises to 380". wgrz.com. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ↑ Deliso, Meredith; Katersky, Aaron; Margolin, Josh; Hutchinson, Bill (2022-05-16). "Suspect fired 50 rounds in Buffalo supermarket hate crime shooting that killed 10: Police". ABC News. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ↑ "Powerful winter storm leaves first responders in need of rescue, official says". CNN. 2022-12-25. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ↑ "The Buffalo News 14 Sep 2005, page 9". Newspapers.com. 2005-09-14. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ Sandra Tan, “Out of ashes of fiscal crisis, a red-hot comptroller’s race,” The Buffalo News, October 17, 2005.
- ↑ Sandra Tan, “Poloncarz chosen to tackle county money woes,” The Buffalo News, November 9, 2005.
- ↑ City Desk, “County’s bond rating kicked up a notch,” The Buffalo News. July 19th, 2008.
- ↑ Matthew Spina, “Control board is forced into detour’ turns to Poloncarz in urgent borrowing,” The Buffalo News, September 26, 2008.
- ↑ Matthew Spina, “Poloncarz triumph is rebuke of Collins,” The Buffalo News, November 4, 2009.
- ↑ “Credit rating posts gains in scores from two agencies,” The Buffalo News, May 11, 2010.
- ↑ Joseph Popiolkowski, “Poloncarz officially enters race for county executive,” The Buffalo News, May 8, 2011.
- ↑ Harold McNeil, “Party backs Poloncatz, LoVallo,” The Buffalo News, May 18, 2011.
- ↑ Robert J. McCarthy, “Poloncarz previews his campaign,” The Buffalo News, July 21, 2011.
- ↑ Robert J. McCarthy, “County executive race in dead heat,” The Buffalo News, October 9, 2011.
- ↑ Robert J. McCarthy, “Poloncarz registers convincing triumph,” The Buffalo News, November 9, 2011.
- ↑ Robert J. McCarthy, “Poloncarz pledges to put people first”, The Buffalo News, January 2, 2012.
- ↑ Harold McNeil, “Poloncarz unveils ‘Initiatives for a Smart Economy’”, The Buffalo News, June 13, 2013.
- ↑ Adrian Humphreys, “The Canadian Advantage: Border crossers give Buffalo a $1.25B boost,” The National Post, February 26, 2012.
- ↑ David Robinson, “Canadian firm to build facility on Lackawanna,” The Buffalo News, July 17, 2012.
- ↑ David Robinson, “Proposing a ‘but-for’ test as IDA norm,” The Buffalo News, June 13, 2013.
- ↑ Denise Jewell Gee, “Erie County to hire 3 workers to probe Medicaid fraud,” The Buffalo News, July 11, 2012.
- ↑ Harold McNeil, “Overhaul of social services unveiled,” The Buffalo News, September 11, 2013.
- ↑ Denise Jewell Gee, “Poloncarz budget ups taxes, drops jobs,” The Buffalo News, October 15, 2012.
- ↑ Denise Jewell Gee, “Legislature eliminates tax hike in 2013 budget,” The Buffalo News, December 5, 2012.
- ↑ Tom Precious, “Deal solidifies Bills presence here,” The Buffalo News, December 22, 2012.
- ↑ “Staying put”, The Buffalo News, December 22, 2012.
- ↑ Thompson, Chris (2014-12-11). "Behind The Snow". City & State NY. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "The Buffalo News 13 Aug 2015, page 5". Newspapers.com. 2015-08-13. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "Poloncarz easily wins second term as Erie County Executive". WBFO. 2015-11-04. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "NACo, NLC announce joint task force on opioid abuse epidemic". National Association of Counties. 2016-03-08. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "A Prescription for Action". A Prescription for Action. 2016-11-10. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "The Buffalo News 28 Apr 2018, page 24". Newspapers.com. 2018-04-28. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "Poloncarz Pushes 'New Renaissance' for All in County The Buffalo News 28 Mar 2019, page 25". Newspapers.com. 2019-03-28. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "Executive Order #017 Enforcement of the Paris Climate Agreement". Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. 2017-06-02. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "The Buffalo News 06 Mar 2018, page 17". Newspapers.com. 2018-03-06. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "Poloncarz signs new Erie County ethics law". Niagara Frontier Publications. 2018-03-28. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "Erie County acquires 148 acres of industrial land at the former Bethlehem Steel site in Lackawanna for redevelopment". Environment & Planning. 2017-07-25. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "County Executive Seeks to Close Digital Divide with Plans for a $20 Million High Speed Network The Buffalo News 24 Mar 2019, page 1". Newspapers.com. 2019-03-24. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ Whalen, Ryan (2019-07-15). "Poloncarz Says County Told State a Downtown Stadium Wasn't Feasible in 2012". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "Other Democrats Join Poloncarz as He Launches Campaign for a Rare Third Term The Buffalo News 10 Feb 2019, page 28". Newspapers.com. 2019-02-10. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "Dixon to Challenge Poloncarz, Vows Tough Fight in Executive Race The Buffalo News 27 Feb 2019, page 20". Newspapers.com. 2019-02-27. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ "Poloncarz Scores Solid Win for Third Term as County Executive The Buffalo News 06 Nov 2019, page 1". Newspapers.com. 2019-11-06. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
- ↑ Spina, Matthew; Rey, Jay (2025-02-12). "Cuomo: Phase three in WNY starts Tuesday". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ↑ Tan, Sandra (2025-02-12). "The Erie County state of emergency has ended. What comes next?". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ↑ "Covid-19: Frustration growing with Health Department's approach to schools and the pandemic". Buffalo News. 2025-02-12. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ↑ "How the U.S. Is Incentivizing Coronavirus Vaccinations". YouTube. 2024-03-06. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ↑ "Erie County Executive shares video of him singing to connect with people during difficult times". News 4 Buffalo. 2020-03-22. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
- ↑ "The Editorial Board: Under pressure and in spite of critics, Poloncarz used his pandemic authority well". Buffalo News. 2025-02-12. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ↑ O'Shei, Tim (2025-02-12). "Buffalo Bills, New York State, Erie County reach 'ironclad' 30-year deal to build $1.4 billion stadium". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ↑ "x.com". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ↑ Lobosco, Katie (2022-10-02). "How Buffalo is ensuring the Black community isn't left behind after mass supermarket shooting". CNN. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ↑ Ajasa, Amudalat (2022-11-22). "How Buffalo is clearing 80 inches of snow almost as fast as it fell". Washington Post. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ↑ Sacks, Brianna (2022-12-29). "Top Buffalo-area official shoulders blame for late blizzard travel ban". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
- ↑ Ferré-Sadurní, Luis (2023-11-08). "Mark Polancarz Defeats Chrissy Casilio in Western New York". The New York Times. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ↑ Joly, Aidan (2023-09-21). "Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says he won't run again if re-elected in November". News 4 Buffalo. Archived from the original on December 1, 2023. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
- ↑ "County leaders seek greater coordination on migrants after border visit". National Association of Counties. 2024-04-04. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
- ↑ "MSN". MSN. 2025-03-08. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
- ↑ Tan, Sandra (2025-03-07). "From broadband to sewers, $178 million in American Rescue Plan spending a 'success story' for Erie County". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
- ↑ 59.0 59.1 59.2 59.3 59.4 59.5 "Erie County Board of Elections". Elections Archive. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
