Following a Blistering Democrat & Chronicle Article Calling out the Mismanagement of the Buffalo Blizzard Mark is Still Silent

Candidate Chrissy Casilio Demands Accountability from Mark Poloncarz for Mismanagement and Lack of Leadership During Catastrophic Storm Response

Erie County, [7/27/2023] – Today, Chrissy Casilio, candidate for Erie County Executive, called on Mark Poloncarz to address the recent damning report by the Democrat and Chronicle, titled “How Buffalo’s catastrophic storm response failed a woman in life, then in death.”  The report exposes severe mismanagement, lack of leadership, incompetence, and dereliction of duty during the December 2022 Blizzard, which tragically resulted in the loss of nearly 50 lives.

“Like so many other crises, Mark has yet to take responsibility or be held accountable for his mismanagement during the Christmas Blizzard,” said Casilio. She continued to further highlight the multiple instances where Poloncarz’s administration has failed to uphold its duty to protect the lives and wellbeing of Erie County residents. “Whether it was his response to the catastrophic storm or his complacency in the current migrant crisis, his silence on NYS Covid-19 nursing home directives and his willful acquiescence in the NYS Cashless Bail initiative, which has led to rising crime; he has shown a consistent pattern of poor judgment and a disregard for the safety of his constituents. I want to be crystal clear in what I am saying… Mark’s failed leadership cost lives.”

The recent article presents a shocking account of how the County Executive’s failure to act decisively and efficiently led to tragic consequences for the people of Erie County. It was made clear that during a time of crisis, when leadership and effective decision-making are critical, Mark Poloncarz’s administration fell short in every aspect.

In a conclusive excerpt from the piece, Authors, Matthew Korfhage and David Robinson, exposed that “A team of USA TODAY Network reporters explored how the decisions made by officials before, during and after the blizzard left scores of people… to fend for themselves. The investigation spanned hundreds of pages of government emails, dozens of interviews, and reams of emergency dispatch data. It revealed A lack of cooperation between Erie County and Buffalo city officials hindered emergency response strategy and coordination, as more than 1,000 calls for help via 911 went unanswered for days. Fundamental flaws within the region’s emergency communication apparatus limited the effectiveness of heroic rescue attempts. Put simply, emergency management breakdowns cost lives.”

“Erie County deserves a leader who takes accountability and acts swiftly, responsibly and in the best interest of the people who’ve entrusted them with this responsibility in times of crisis,” said Casilio. “The people of this county need a County Executive who prioritizes their safety above all else, and that is what I am committed to delivering.”

Chrissy Casilio is urging Mark Poloncarz to address these issues publicly and take responsibility for the failures under his leadership. As a candidate for Erie County Executive, Casilio vows to prioritize the safety and well-being of the county’s residents and implement effective and proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.