Clarence, N.Y. (WBEN) - After being endorsed by the Erie County Republican Party over the weekend, Chrissy Casilio was officially introduced on Monday as the GOP's candidate in the race for Erie County Executive this November.
"After 11 years of uninspiring leadership, the last thing our taxpayers and residents can afford is four more years of the current administration. It is time for a change in Erie County," said Casilio on Monday during her introductory press conference.
Casilio is a life-long Erie County resident, as well as small business owner - a local marketing firm - and community leader. During her Monday press conference, Casilio pointed to the fiscal pressures faced by families and businesses alike around the region, and emphasized that a change in leadership is necessary to get Erie County and its economy moving again.
"As a business owner, a mom and a taxpayer, I am concerned about the future of Erie County," she said. "Every day, I hear from business owners who are fighting to recover from the pandemic, families who are struggling with the rising cost of living, and neighbors who have made the decision to find opportunity outside our community. But I also believe that new energy and new leadership can bring about the kind of change we need to forge a brighter future for Erie County."
Casilio believes the stakes have never been higher, and that she will win the November election to be the next County Executive.
"You will not find a greater contrast to Mark Poloncarz than me," Casilio said. "As I manage running a business and raising a family, I see and experience first-hand the difficulties so many of our families face trying to make ends meet. Under our current County Executive, property taxes have increased a staggering 39%, and the cost of everything from groceries to gasoline is going through the roof. Everyone from young families to our senior citizens is having to make difficult decisions on what they can and can't go without."
Casilio boldly says the lack of leadership and action from the current administration at the Rath Building in Buffalo will not be acceptable anymore. She also claims the current administration has put a higher priority on protecting political allies and supporting county taxpayers, which will change when she becomes County Executive.
"The current administration wants to mislead you in hopes that you will be fooled by a flashy and expensive video telling you that everything is fine, but anyone paying the bills or listening to Erie County taxpayers and businesses knows the truth. It's not fine right now," Casilio said. "You know it, I know it, and we know there is a better way."
In her role as Erie County Executive, Casilio says she will use her past success in her field and as a community advocate to listen to people, hear and understand their problems and needs, and work collaboratively with them to develop positive solutions.
I will work with my fellow elected officials and community leaders in every city, town and village, regardless of party affiliation to fight for the needs of those municipalities that have been forgotten and ignored by this administration," she said. "Most importantly, when our community finds itself facing a crisis, and we will, I will reach out with an open hand to help everyone in our community, not with a closed fist to demean, disparage and belittle those I have sworn to serve."
Hear more from Casilio during her introductory press conference available in the player below:
