For Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, the Democratic National Convention offers more than discussions in party politics.
The convention presents a chance to meet face-to-face with "state officials about what the state can contribute to the reconstruction of Ralph Wilson Stadium," Poloncarz said in a live interview on WBFO and AM970.
It's believed the Buffalo Bills are seeking over $200 million in improvements for their home stadium, a price tag the cash-strapped county is unlikely to afford on its own.
"We're still talking."
Beyond the Bills, the convention agenda "is a busy day" for the first-year county executive who is making his third trip to the national political gathering. Poloncarz says the mornings are for meetings while the night is for listening to the many speeches from the convention floor.
He hopes the three-day event will highlight a "message of inclusiveness" and make the case that "the Democratic Party truly stands for the working man."
From his perspective, Poloncarz believes last week's Republican convention failed in its effort to connect with the American people who have been "talking more about Clint Eastwood that Mitt Romney."