The final debate in the race for Erie County Executive will be held on Thursday, October 29th at 7 pm. WQLN Public Media will host the event in its studios at 8424 Peach Street, and it will also air live on WQLN-TV. The debate will be broadcast on WQLN Radio on October 31 at 7 a.m. and November 1 at 3 p.m.
Barry Grossman, the Democratic nominee, holds a doctorate from Case Western Reserve University as as J.D. in Law from Cleveland State University, a M.A. in Political Science from Gannon, and a B.A. in Political Science from Cornell. He served as a social studies teacher for many years before starting up a few local restaurants. He currently owns and operates Mi Scuzi Italian Ristorante. Grossman has been involved in many community organizations, most recently as the co-chairman of the Greater Erie Unity Committee from 2004-2005. Grossman was also the Democratic candidate for Mayor of Erie in 2004. A summary of his platform taken from his website follows:
- Supports creating a community college, but does not want to raise county property taxes to do it.
- Opposes the proposed tires-to-energy plant on the city’s east side.
- Supports the Tullio Arena renovation but did not like the amount of late-term debt in the payment schedule of the county’s $10 million bond created to attract another $32 million in state funds.
- Pledges to conduct a complete review of the Erie County public safety complex in Summit Township.
More information on Grossman can be found here.
Mike Kerner, the Republican nominee, holds an MBA from Case Western Reserve University and a BA in Computer Science from Hiram College. He is the President of the Kuhl Hose Fire Company and the Director of Administration at the R.M. Kerner Company. Kerner has worked as an EMT and a firefighter in Erie County, and resides in Greene Township with his wife and four children. His campaign for county executive is endorsed by the City of Erie’s Police officers (FOP #7) and the City of Erie’s Firefighters (IAFF 293). A summary of his platform as taken from his website follows:
- Opposes a community college for the Erie area.
- Favors amending the county’s Home Rule Charter to have voter referendums for all new tax and fee increases.
- Supports a full review of the Erie County Home Rule Charter and setting term limits for all county elected officials.
- Would not have voted for Tullio Arena renovation plan.
- His administration would not pursue regionalism or consolidation with municipalities unless asked to get involved.
- Favors adding more workers and money to fix problems at the county’s 911 center.
- Rightsize the capital expenditures, in line with a long-term vision – today there is no long-term vision.
More information on Kerner can be found here.
Place your vote on November 3rd! For information on polling locations: Where to Vote
