Erie County Executive Candidate, Chrissy Casilio, Calls Poloncarz Administration “Delusional” for Ignoring Migrant Crisis Costs

In light of the recent revelations regarding the fiscal impact of the ongoing migrant crisis, Erie County Executive candidate Chrissy Casilio strongly criticizes the Poloncarz administration’s negligent approach to addressing this critical issue. After a comprehensive review of the situation, Casilio asserts that it is “delusional” for County Executive Poloncarz to avoid acknowledging the financial burden placed on Erie County taxpayers.

This comes in the wake of a disturbing report published this morning by City & State New York (https://www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2023/10/adams-admin-questioned-perplexing-migrant-costs/391450/), highlighting the perplexing management of costs related to the migrant crisis under the Adams administration. During a City Council oversight hearing, lawmakers questioned the administration’s utilization of emergency contracts for shelter and other services, as well as their staggering estimate of potentially spending $12 billion on costs associated with the migrant crisis between fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025.

As we find ourselves several months into fiscal year 2024, the city has already expended nearly $2.5 billion since the crisis’s onset in April 2022. Casilio insists that as this crisis persists in New York City, it is unrealistic to believe that Erie County taxpayers won’t bear the brunt of the migrant crisis’s financial burdens. Casilio stated, “We have only heard about a phone call and a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between Mayor Adams and County Executive Poloncarz, and that isn’t good enough. I don’t trust either of them, and their track record on this issue doesn’t exactly evoke confidence.”

Casilio firmly maintains her call for an indefinite emergency order that will block additional migrants from entering Western New York. She believes that such an order is essential to protect the interests of Erie County residents and prevent the further escalation of financial liabilities.

“It is our duty to protect the well-being and financial stability of Erie County and its residents,” Casilio emphasized. “We cannot afford to be complacent and trust an administration that has consistently failed to address the real challenges of the migrant crisis. It’s time for concrete action to protect our community.”

Casilio reiterated, “We remain one of the poorest communities in the country.  That’s indicative of the failed leadership of this administration, but it also reinforces the fact we simply cannot afford to handle additional costs associated with migrants.  It’s irresponsible, and it’s unfair not only to taxpayers, but also to those in-need residents already in our community who are struggling.”

Casilio said she remains committed to safeguarding Erie County’s interests, along with her determination to address the migrant crisis responsibly, which sets her apart as a dedicated and knowledgeable candidate for the position of Erie County Executive. As the election approaches, she continues prioritizing the best interests of the people she aims to serve.