CASILIO TEES OFF ON COUNTY EXECUTIVE POLONCARZ OVER TUBERCULOSIS AND SAFETY CONCERNS AMONG MIGRANTS

Chrissy Casilio took a blistering stance today as she criticized County Executive Mark Poloncarz for his handling of the migrant crisis following an alleged rape and now a Tuberculosis case among a group of asylum seekers currently being housed in Western New York. Casilio’s comments came after the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) identified an active case of Tuberculosis during routine screening and testing of individuals.

Casilio questioned County Executive Poloncarz’s response to the crisis, demanding he face the reality of the situation head-on. “I hope Mark enjoyed the Erie County Fair this week. What will it take for County Executive Poloncarz to address this crisis and call it what it is? How is it that the top executive in our government is in denial about a situation he welcomed to our community? Mark is proving that a feel-good photo op is more important to him than your safety and well-being, and he has failed at his most basic job responsibility he has, to keep us safe,” Casilio asserted.

Casilio emphasized that the safety of Erie County residents will be her top priority. “As County Executive, nothing will be more important to me than the safety and well-being of Erie County residents,” she stated.

Expressing concern about the ongoing situation, Casilio called for an immediate halt to the intake of self-purported asylum seekers, emphasizing the need to address potential health risks proactively. She also questioned Poloncarz’s claims about support from New York City in dealing with the crisis. “In a statement from ECDOH, it was said that ‘some of these individuals are school-aged, so these vaccines will also facilitate school attendance this fall.’ We still have not received any information on where these children will be attending school and what aid, be it from the state or local taxes, will be dedicated to educating these children,” Casilio pointed out. “There is clearly a problem. Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams have begged the Federal Government for more assistance; why is Mark not out front doing the same?”

Casilio accused Poloncarz of being disingenuous in his communication and needing more courage to provide transparent information to Erie County residents. “Mark not only lacks the courage to stand up to New York City, he also lacks the courage to tell you, the tax-paying residents of Erie County, the truth,” she declared.

As Erie County prepares for its upcoming elections, Chrissy Casilio’s firm stance on public safety and accountability has resonated with many residents who are concerned about the current crisis. Her commitment to addressing challenges head-on and prioritizing the community’s well-being sets her apart as a formidable candidate in the race for Erie County Executive.