Frustrated Towns Take On Erie County on This Week’s State of Greater Western New York Report – January 27, 2022

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a difference? Or exactly what straw breaks the camel’s back? We may be in the middle of witnessing a history-altering spark right in our own backyard. What is it? Watch this week’s State of Great Western New York Report and discover a new movement that may just change the map you’re all familiar with.

In the show’s first segment, Town of Marilla Supervisor Earl “Skip” Gingerich and Grand Island Town Councilman Mike Madigan outline the concerns they’ve heard about Erie County’s nearly two-year “State of Emergency.” Erie County’s premature mask mandate (it preceded the state’s similar but now overturned mandate by a month) was the final straw. They explain how they and other towns, channeled that frustration, led by the Town of Marilla, into something positive. It’s a trend more than worth noting, it’s worth watching.

During the second half of the show, the two guests guide us on the path their initial effort has led regarding uncovering some questionable overtime payments to Erie County’s Health Commissioner. They tell us what the towns are doing to lead the charge and how citizens have followed up.

And in some breaking news, Gingerich and Madigan reveal a handful of Erie County towns are in talks to initiate a feasibility study on seceding from Erie County and joining neighboring counties.