Governor Andrew Cuomo came to town Friday afternoon to lead the charge for local Democrats facing election on Tuesday. At a rally at UAW headquarters in Amherst, the Governor said this election is about one thing -- change.
"Erie County is upside down and backwards. Unemployment is going up, population is coming down. The tax levy is going up, and government services are coming down," Cuomo said. "You know what you do when you're sick and tired? You know what you do when you're sick and tired of being sick and tired? You change things, that's what you do. You change things."
The Governor endorsed Mark Poloncarz for Erie County Executive. Poloncarz said his number one priority as County Executive would be jobs -- and he pledged to work with the Governor to bring jobs back to Western New York. He also asked those union members and others in attendance for their support because, he says, he'll never forget the middle-class and neediest Erie County residents.
"Erie County deserves an executive who understands that being a public servant truly means working on behalf of the public's behalf," Poloncarz said. "As Comptroller, I've never forgotten who my bosses are. It's each and everyone of you in this room. It's each and every citizen of Erie County regardless of your sex, your race, your age, or for that matter, the size of your wallet. Because at the end of the day, we're all public servants and we work on behalf of our bosses, which are you. I believe my opponent has forgotten that. I will never forget that."
The Governor also endorsed Maria Whyte -- who faces Republican Chris Jacobs for Erie County Clerk -- and Craig Bucki -- who faces Republican Raymond Walter for the 148th Assembly District seat.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown is also throwing his support behind fellow Democrat Poloncarz. Brown had been holding off on making an endorsement. But as at the request of the Governor, Brown finally relented and offered his support at the rally.
The Mayor has been estranged from the Erie County Democratic party and its chairman Len Lenihan. But Friday, Lenihan told reporters the Governor's call for unity worked. He said the Governor's backing has given instant strength to Poloncarz in the final stretch of his campaign.