Local Buffalo politicians gathered March 18 at Buffalo State University to discuss how the public can become more politically involved.
The panel featured Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz; Leah M. Halton Pope, Ellicott District Councilwoman and Majority Leader for the Buffalo Common Council; Mitch Nowakowski, a Buffalo State alumnus and Council Member representing the Fillmore District; Hon. Jennifer Mecozzi, Buffalo Public School West District Board Member; Hon. Lawrence Scott, Buffalo School Board VP of Student Achievement and Board Member at Large; and Rebecca Castañeda, Senior Advisor to Sean Ryan for the Buffalo mayoral race. Senator April Baskin, representing New York’s 63rd District, also contributed via a pre-recorded video.
Before the discussion began, Buffalo State Interim President Dr. Durand addressed attendees, emphasizing the university’s commitment to civic engagement.
“This is what Buffalo State University is all about,” Dr. Durand said. “What I say to my faculty, my staff, and my students here at Buffalo State University is that we are going to continue to do what we do best. We’re going to continue to serve the community in the best way we know how.”
The panel kicked off with each politician offering their perspective on why local political involvement matters. Pope stressed that creating change isn’t limited to those in office.
“When it comes to getting involved, it’s not about running for office,” Pope said. “It’s about understanding that everybody can be an unelected public servant. It’s what you’re doing for your neighbors. It’s about speaking up for those who don’t have a voice.”
Nowakowski echoed this sentiment, highlighting the power of collective action.
“Change starts with all of us,” he said. “Oftentimes, we turn on the TV and want people to make decisions for us when really we can make them for ourselves.”
Poloncarz underscored the importance of local government.
“It’s the level of government that affects you the most,” he said. “You need to be involved in local races; they’re the closest to you. Democracy is not a spectator sport.”
Mecozzi shared her personal journey into politics, showing how grassroots involvement can lead to public service.
“I didn’t go to college. I’m a single mother. I got involved with PUSH Buffalo, and eventually, I became its president. But it wasn’t because I wanted that; it was because people believed in me,” she said. “If you want to help locally, find your niche. Can’t talk door to door? Organize a spreadsheet. Make phone calls. We need real, genuine people.”
Castañeda added that holding officials accountable is key.
“There are lots of decisions being made at the local level without you,” she said. “If you’re not there, if you’re not communicating with your legislators, these decisions are being made without you.”
Senator Baskin contributed to the conversation as well in her pre recorded segment, where she underlined an importance in the individual taking action.
“You cannot expect to see better if we don’t ourselves create a world or society where we are doing better,” she said. “We need to create a safe space for people to be able to have the best quality of life that they deserve.”
The panel shifted gears during the Q&A, where students voiced sharp criticism of local government actions. One heated discussion focused on Buffalo’s status regarding sanctuary cities. Poloncarz explained that declaring Buffalo a sanctuary city could draw increased attention from ICE.
“They specifically go after sanctuary cities and counties,” Poloncarz said. “That’s why they haven’t gone after Buffalo lately.”
One student pushed back, asserting that ICE operates in Buffalo regardless, then pivoted to air their frustrations with the state of the Democratic Party.
“I’m just tired of the Democratic Party playing the long game for years and years, while we are on a fast track to fascism. But, ‘we are just gonna lie and wait’, and, ‘we just need the right paperwork’, when people are being deported to El Salvador for no reason, while students on campuses are being detained for no reason.”
Another student spoke up, stating that Poloncarz cared only about protecting himself instead of the thousands of people in need. As tensions rose, the discussion expanded to broader issues, like public funding priorities. The same student questioned Poloncarz’s conduct in office, questioning his allocating $250 million of the county budget towards a new Bills stadium, rather than investing in East Buffalo’s housing crisis.
“Twenty percent of the homes in Wildroot are vacant right now and have no repairs. There are no businesses there or anything. What do you have to say about that?” the student said.
The student was referencing the thorough analysis that was conducted by the nonprofit organization Citizens for Regional Transit in 2021 about the neighborhood, located in the heart of Poloncarz’s county, which proposes a revamp of the public transit system in Buffalo.
Pages 41-45 of the writeup discuss Wildroot in comparison to other areas of Buffalo, but readers are encouraged to look through the entire report that suggests a more connected Buffalo is viable with the right support.
The student also critiqued Poloncarz’s loyalty to the Pegula family, who currently own the Buffalo Bills, placing their interests over the people that live in his jurisdiction.
The conversation ended abruptly with Poloncarz cutting it short by dropping the microphone onto the table and refusing to engage further after the student declined to provide their personal information to him.
When reached out to after the event, the student provided a concluding remark to The Record.
“I think it’s about time we stop standing by and letting the Trump administration work through the Democratic Party, which is supposed to be the party of the people, to enact their fascist policies. It’s about time they actually made a difference and spent our tax money on us instead of on investments for the wealthy.”
The event showcased a passionate exchange between Buffalo State students and local leaders, highlighting the complexities of political engagement and the urgent desire for change in the community.
