Erie County Democratic Town Chairs Association, 301 Broad St, Tonawanda, NY (2020)

02/10/2020

Erie County Democratic Committee

Live from Manchester, NH!

02/07/2020

Chairman Jeremy Zellner

We need to re-elect our District Attorney John Flynn this year!

02/04/2020

Town of Colden Democratic Committee

RIP Chair
You will be missed.

We here at the Town of Colden Democratic Committee are saddened by the recent passing of our long time leader, Shirleymarie Sheldon. Shirley was the glue that held this group together for many decades. We are forever grateful for her dedication and leadership. Our deepest gratitude for everything you did for Colden and for our Committe, Shirley. We will certainly miss you! Our warmest thoughts are with Shirley's friends and family.

01/27/2020

Hillary Didn’t Get Us Trump. Bernie Didn’t Get Us Trump. Non-Voters Did. | Kimberley A. Johnson on Patreon

Official Post from Kimberley A. Johnson: The news media in 2016 played a role in who won the presidency, as did Vladimir Putin. There were a variety of factors, but the bottom line is just about half the country didn’t vote. We can only guess what the outcome would have been if 100% of Americans v...

01/25/2020

Assemblywoman Karen McMahon

I am proud to have once again been endorsed by the Amherst Democratic Committee. I will continue to work hard to ensure that our community has a seat at the table and that our interests are fully represented.

01/22/2020

Political Loudmouth

01/22/2020

Yes She Can

01/22/2020

Poloncarz for Erie County

Glad to see The Buffalo News' Editorial Board concurs with me: we deserve our fair share back of federal taxes.

Editorial: The money we're owed

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz went to Washington last week arguing for continued federal aid as a matter of necessity. Money and tax breaks from Washington, he told the House Budget Committee, are “essential contributors” to Buffalo’s revival.

He’s right, but there’s more to it than that. Continued funding is not only financially necessary, but a matter of principle. In a state that is a chronic net donor to the federal government, robust funding for areas such as this is also just. For decades, New Yorkers have sent far more money to Washington than they ever get back in aid or services and it has become worse since Congress, in a fit of spite, shredded the federal deduction for state and local taxes in 2017.

In 2015, before the tax reform law, the imbalance between what New Yorkers contributed to Washington and what they got back was $48 billion in the red, according to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. The cut to the SALT deduction has added billions more dollars to the hit that New Yorkers were already taking to subsidize other parts of the country.

Even if you accept the plausible argument that there is little point in sending money to Washington only to get the same amount back, New York’s taxpayers take a gut-punch in this equation. Yet the Trump administration seeks every year to punish areas like ours by reducing the federal funds that support important efforts.

Poloncarz was clear. “The county’s economy is growing, but I can’t imagine what our fiscal picture would be if some of the president’s prior budget proposals have been enacted,” he testified to the committee.

Among the programs that Poloncarz cited were Community Development Block Grants. That and other federal aid programs – historic tax credits, for example – make a critical difference to this area. The benefits, he said, “can range from very large affordable housing projects in the City of Buffalo to clean water projects in a small, rural community,” he said.

It’s true, we should note, that the City of Buffalo’s record regarding use of Community Development Block Grants is spotted and suspicious. It needs attention, but it’s a different question from whether Western New York needs continued federal funding.

Part of the evidence of that need is concealed in the ludicrous comments of the Republican leader of the House Budget Committee, Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas. His comments were pro forma and self-defeating.

“State and local governments, along with private-sector innovation, are best equipped to address domestic needs,” he said. “The federal government should focus on finding more opportunities to stay out of the way.”

Of course, that’s the goal of Community Development Block Grants. Washington provides funding and local governments decide how best to use it. Is Womack equally interested in reducing the federal funds that flow into his own state, one of the poorest in the country and a net-taker from Washington?

Womack, it is worth noting, voted for the 2017 tax reform bill that hurt New Yorkers and also hobbled the federal treasury: Forbes.com reported last year that the tax cut is on track to double the $587 billion budget deficit that President Trump inherited when he took office.

The country is accumulating debt at a time when the national economy is roaring – exactly the opposite of what it should be doing. This is the time, in advance of the inevitable next recession, to get our financial house in order. If Womack’s concern is fiscal prudence, he is coming late to the table.

Buffalo and Erie County are on the way back, but some things – here and anywhere – require Washington to play a responsible role. If Congress wants to start cutting back, it should begin with the taker states and leave New York alone.

https://buffalonews.com/2020/01/20/editorial-the-money-were-owed/

01/22/2020

Poloncarz for Erie County

Glad to see The Buffalo News' Editorial Board concurs with me: we deserve our fair share back of federal taxes.

Editorial: The money we're owed

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz went to Washington last week arguing for continued federal aid as a matter of necessity. Money and tax breaks from Washington, he told the House Budget Committee, are “essential contributors” to Buffalo’s revival.

He’s right, but there’s more to it than that. Continued funding is not only financially necessary, but a matter of principle. In a state that is a chronic net donor to the federal government, robust funding for areas such as this is also just. For decades, New Yorkers have sent far more money to Washington than they ever get back in aid or services and it has become worse since Congress, in a fit of spite, shredded the federal deduction for state and local taxes in 2017.

In 2015, before the tax reform law, the imbalance between what New Yorkers contributed to Washington and what they got back was $48 billion in the red, according to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. The cut to the SALT deduction has added billions more dollars to the hit that New Yorkers were already taking to subsidize other parts of the country.

Even if you accept the plausible argument that there is little point in sending money to Washington only to get the same amount back, New York’s taxpayers take a gut-punch in this equation. Yet the Trump administration seeks every year to punish areas like ours by reducing the federal funds that support important efforts.

Poloncarz was clear. “The county’s economy is growing, but I can’t imagine what our fiscal picture would be if some of the president’s prior budget proposals have been enacted,” he testified to the committee.

Among the programs that Poloncarz cited were Community Development Block Grants. That and other federal aid programs – historic tax credits, for example – make a critical difference to this area. The benefits, he said, “can range from very large affordable housing projects in the City of Buffalo to clean water projects in a small, rural community,” he said.

It’s true, we should note, that the City of Buffalo’s record regarding use of Community Development Block Grants is spotted and suspicious. It needs attention, but it’s a different question from whether Western New York needs continued federal funding.

Part of the evidence of that need is concealed in the ludicrous comments of the Republican leader of the House Budget Committee, Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas. His comments were pro forma and self-defeating.

“State and local governments, along with private-sector innovation, are best equipped to address domestic needs,” he said. “The federal government should focus on finding more opportunities to stay out of the way.”

Of course, that’s the goal of Community Development Block Grants. Washington provides funding and local governments decide how best to use it. Is Womack equally interested in reducing the federal funds that flow into his own state, one of the poorest in the country and a net-taker from Washington?

Womack, it is worth noting, voted for the 2017 tax reform bill that hurt New Yorkers and also hobbled the federal treasury: Forbes.com reported last year that the tax cut is on track to double the $587 billion budget deficit that President Trump inherited when he took office.

The country is accumulating debt at a time when the national economy is roaring – exactly the opposite of what it should be doing. This is the time, in advance of the inevitable next recession, to get our financial house in order. If Womack’s concern is fiscal prudence, he is coming late to the table.

Buffalo and Erie County are on the way back, but some things – here and anywhere – require Washington to play a responsible role. If Congress wants to start cutting back, it should begin with the taker states and leave New York alone.

https://buffalonews.com/2020/01/20/editorial-the-money-were-owed/

01/22/2020

Erie County Democratic Committee

Headquarters at 671 Seneca Street will be open until 7 pm weekdays beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22, and from 11 am to 2 pm Saturdays and Sundays for petition signing and pickups for the following presidential campaigns:

Biden
Buttigieg
Klobuchar
Sanders
Warren
Yang

Call us at 853-2511 with any questions you may have.

01/21/2020

The City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee

REMINDER, MEETING THURSDAY THE 23RD AT ELDREDGE CLUB FOR 140TH ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEMBERS. 6-8 TO HEAR CANDIDATES

01/14/2020

Erie County Democratic Committee

Chairman Jeremy Zellner was unanimously endorsed for another term at tonight’s monthly meeting of the Cheektowaga Democratic Committee, with Tim Meyers for Erie County Legislator making the nomination.

01/11/2020

NY Senate passes automatic voter registration bill

Erie County Democratic Elections Commissioner Jeremy Zellner calls it a modernization of the election system to increase voter enrollment, and remove barriers for voters.

01/10/2020

Erie County Democratic Elections Commissioner

Commissioner Zellner discusses automatic registration and possible changes to early voting law with Channel 7’s Ala Errebhi.

01/09/2020

The City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee

City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee
Press Release

Wednesday, January 08, 2020
Contact – Gayle Syposs, Chair
716 418 2745
City of Tonawanda Democrats Endorse Zellner
The City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee voted tonight to be the first Committee in Erie County to endorse the re election of Jeremy Zellner to the position of Chair of the Erie County Democratic Committee along with endorsing his re election as Commissioner of the Erie County Board of Elections.
“It is with great honor and pride that we support the re election of one of our own, Jeremy Zellner as Chair of the Erie County Democratic Committee. Jeremy has led our County Committee with dedication and integrity and we are fortunate to have him lead our Party. We look forward to the upcoming year with his leadership. He has never forgotten our local Committee and Candidates and our success in recent years have been largely thanks to his efforts and the team he puts together at our Democratic Headquarters. We stand with him proudly” Mrs. Syposs stated.

01/04/2020

Jeremy Zellner opts out of race for Schimminger's seat

Jeremy Zellner – considered a favorite for the Democratic nod to succeed Robin Schimminger in the Assembly’s 140th District – will not be...

lets see the Republican response to this

01/04/2020

Sen. Tim Kaine Files War Powers Resolution to Stop Trump From 'Stumbling Into a War With Iran'

lets see the Republican response to this

"Congress cannot be a bystander," said Quaker lobbying group FCNL. "The #EndlessWars must stop!"

01/03/2020

Today we learned that Chair Jeremy Zellner will not pursue the nomination for the 140th Assembly District seat now held by Assemblymember Robin Schimminger. He will remain as chair and as Democratic Commissioner at the Board of Elections and seek reelection to these positions later this year.

The Town Chairs Association is proud to support Jeremy in both roles. Under his chairmanship our party is growing and united, and we have won major victories at every level of local government. We are in a position for continued success in 2020 as well through Chair Zellner's leadership.

As commissioner, Jeremy was instrumental in developing and implementing an early voting strategy that included the most polling sites in New York State and resulted in the highest turnout percentage for any county.

At ECDC and at the BoE, Jeremy has been a strong voice for this party and for the people of Erie County. He has demonstrated his strong commitment to us, and we in turn are committed to standing with him in 2020.

12/28/2019

Erie County Democratic Committee

Congratulations to our new Concord Democratic Committee Chair Jessica Schuster and Vice Chair Kara Kane!

12/28/2019

Unions 4 Workers

12/19/2019

Michigan AFL-CIO on Twitter

“A statement from Michigan AFL-CIO President @RonBieberMI:”

12/08/2019

Column: As Schimminger exits, Zellner looms

Erie County Democratic Chairman Jeremy Zellner looms as the prohibitive favorite for the Democratic nod to succeed Robin Schimminger in the

10/26/2019

I Will Vote

Be a voter in the 2019 election.

10/26/2019

Local Leaders Outline Early Voting Process Set To Start Saturday

Voters can start hitting the polls on Saturday.

10/25/2019

Editorial: Endorsements in County Legislature Districts 8, 9 and 11

This editorial is the second in a series endorsing candidates for office. Endorsements by the editorial board are intended to aid voters ...

10/24/2019

Early voting brings e-polling tablets to Erie County

For the first time, New Yorkers will be able to vote early instead of using an absentee ballot for this upcoming Election. Registered voters will have 9 days, starting this Saturday to make their vote count if they can't make it to the polls on November 5th or just want to get it over with.

10/24/2019

Early voting brings e-polling tablets to Erie County

For the first time, New Yorkers will be able to vote early instead of using an absentee ballot for this upcoming Election. Registered voters will have 9 days, starting this Saturday to make their vote count if they can't make it to the polls on November 5th or just want to get it over with.

10/24/2019

Chairman Jeremy Zellner

Do you work downtown? Stop at the Erie County Board of Elections 134 W. Eagle Street and vote early beginning this Saturday October 26th through November 3rd. Weekend hours are noon-6pm and weekdays noon-9pm. #ErieNYVotes

10/18/2019

Ex-special ops commander: 'Our republic is under attack from the president'

10/03/2019

Erie County Democratic Elections Commissioner

Commissioner Zellner discussing early voting with WECK 1230AM 100.5FM 102.9FM’s Penny Wolfgang this afternoon.

Learn all about early voting at https://www.elections.erie.gov/early-voting.

10/01/2019

Brian Higgins

With each passing day we see an erosion of this country’s ideals by a President who freely sidesteps Congress, profits off his position, obstructs justice, and places personal, petty politics before national security. An impeachment inquiry is necessary to protect the values included in our Constitution and to deliver the truth Americans deserve.

09/30/2019

Rep. Chris Collins resigns before pleading guilty to federal charges

It's possible the three defendants will plead guilty to some or all of the charges they are facing, but it's also conceivable they will plea

09/29/2019

Erie County Democratic Town Chairs Association's cover photo

09/27/2019

WATCH: Jeremy Zellner explains early voting process

Jeremy Zellner, chairman of the Erie County Democratic Committee, came to tell us more about how early voting works Friday morning on Wake Up!

09/23/2019

Chairman Jeremy Zellner

One year ago today, ECDC committee members gave me the honor of another term as Chair. It is a great privilege to serve as Chair and BOE Commissioner, and I work hard every day on behalf of our Community and Party. The Erie County Board of Elections has developed the most comprehensive plan in the state for early voting, and we are in a strong position to grow our majority in the Legislature and to re-elect County Executive Mark Poloncarz. And I am proud of the hundreds of new committee members we have welcomed and the unity we have achieved in recent years. That unity has made it possible to flip three Assembly seats, elect a new District Attorney, regain the Legislature Majority, sweep the town of Amherst, and win many other important races across Erie County. Like the Buffalo Bills, we are poised for a great season in 2019 and into 2020, when we will take back the 60th Senate District seat and our Country. There’s no question that the best is yet to come if we work together.