Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - There were some 'gloves off' moments during the Erie County Executive Debate Tuesday night at the WIVB studios that featured incumbent Democrat Mark Poloncarz squaring off against Republican Challenger Chrissy Casilio.
The debate, aired LIVE on WBEN, focused on a number of issues, however the migrant crisis and blizzard commanded the most attention and time.
Casilio went on the offensive against Poloncarz over his handling of the Christmas blizzard last year, blaming his lack of leadership for the dozens of deaths that resulted. Poloncarz defended his actions during the historic storm, stating he was the first public official to declare a state of emergency during the storm.
The two candidates were on opposite sides of the ongoing migrant crisis unfolding in the county, with Poloncarz saying it's a federal issue and Casilio blaming Poloncarz for opening the doors to the crisis by allowing the migrants to be located in the county.