Poloncarz and Dixon debate in annual event at St. Joe's

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Photo credit Mark Poloncarz and Lynne Dixon participate in 35th annual debate hosted by St. Joseph's College Institute. October 18, 2019 (WBEN Photo/Mike Baggerman)

KENMORE, N.Y. (WBEN) - Erie County Executive Candidates Mark Poloncarz and Lynne Dixon squared off in the 35th annual debate hosted by St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute.

The two debated a wide range of topics including misleading commercials from both candidates, county issues such as roads and bridges, and even national issues like gun control and mass shootings at schools.

Among the new developments in the campaign was Dixon's description of Poloncarz as a "bully", something she said she said on WBEN earlier this week and at their final televised debate on Thursday.

The debate at St. Joe’s has begun for Erie County Executive. Lynne Dixon vs Mark Poloncarz.Election Day is less than 3 weeks away pic.twitter.com/nTVYAU7xzN

— Mike Baggerman (@MikeBaggerman) October 18, 2019

"I've seen it," Dixon claimed. "The county legislature doesn't act without directive from him on what to do. I hear it from the county workforce. I hear it from private sector and business people trying to get work done in Erie County. I hear it across the board and it's frustrating."

Poloncarz said he was disappointed in the accusation.

"If you look at my record as county executive, I'm not a bully," he said.

Poloncarz cited his work with republicans to pass a micro-bead ban that was replicated at the federal level.

"When you're in government you're never going to agree on everything," Poloncarz said. "That's why you have multiple political parties. What you need to do is work with your partners and come to a conclusion that's best for the community. I'm proud to say I was always able to negotiate a budget when republicans controlled the legislature, a budget that kept the county's tax rate below the tax cap and reduced taxes every time. My opponent voted for them."