Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Democratic Erie County Legislator Kevin Hardwick from the City of Tonawanda is looking to relocate across the street from the legislature and make his home in the Rath building. Hardwick Sunday announced his candidacy for Erie County Comptroller, the position now held by Republican Stefan Mychajliw.
Hardwick, a former host of WBEN's Hardline Show and professor of political science at Canisius College, is quoted as saying, "Someone has to do it because the office has become hyper-political."
The Hardwick campaign declaration came in the form of a press release and video announcement on his website Sunday.
"I have lived in the City of Tonawanda for over 30 years. It was here that I chose to raise my family, and I think I have a real sense of what kind of leadership our county needs and deserves. In fact, my doctoral dissertation was on the topic of county government. The current state of the Erie County Comptroller's office is truly tragic - there is very little 'comptrolling' occurring in that office and a lot of hyper-partisan activity," says Hafrdwick.
The relationship between the Erie County Comptroller's Office and Erie County Executive is a contentious one and frequently marked by social media attacks between the two offices.
Hardwick stated, "While we all may disagree from time to time, we need collegiality now more than ever. Watching the chaos at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday reaffirmed my commitment to civility and constructive dialogue at a time when our nation is so deeply divided. It is said that 'all politics is local,' and I believe Erie County should and can be a true model for good government that represents the will of the people we serve."
Legislator Hardwick's announcement video can be viewed on his website at www.kevinhardwick.com where there is additional information on his candidacy.
