A New Face in the County Executive’s Office

20May2009 Filed under: Economy, Erie, Pa., Erie, Pa. Issues, Mark DiVecchio, Politics Author: Peter Panepento

The people have spoken and Erie County will have a new leader in 2010.

Incumbent Democrat Mark DiVecchio was defeated in Tuesday’s primary by businessman and former radio personality Barry Grossman. Grossman will face off in November against another Erie businessman, Republican Mike Kerner.

Tuesday’s results mean Erie has an opportunity to get a fresh leader — someone who will hopefully bring an agenda that will move the region’s economy into the 21st Century (yes, folks, we’re still stuck in the 20th).

Which candidate is most up to the task?

The next several months will hopefully answer that question. And I hope to use this space to give both candidates the opportunity to state their cases to you.

In the meantime, I’d like to hear from you. What do you think about these choices? What do you need to hear from them to make your decision?

Tags: Barry Grossman, county government, Economy, election, Erie, Pa., Mike Kerner, Politics

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2 Responses to “A New Face in the County Executive’s Office”

Jim
May 21st, 2009 at 6:54 am

Thinking about these two candidates, what I would like to hear more about are their plans for making the Erie area more competitive in attracting more than tourism, which seems to be the primary focus of the economic develop types.

I’d like to hear specifics on their ideas about new technology, and how to engage the state to market our strengths, as was so highly touted when Knowledge Park was first being envisioned.

I’d like to hear more about research and development, and partnering with our higher learning institutions, like Penn State Behrend, LECOM, etc. to find ways to increase employment opportunities for area graduates. Specific ideas on stemming the brain drain would be of interest to me. Specifically in the area of medical research, and the manufacturing opportunities that could come from breakthroughs.

I’s like to hear some specifics about controlling the rate of increase in the cost of county government, especially when it comes to transitioning costs from the city to the county. Read that “regional assets”.

I’d like to see a plan that actually makes some sense regarding long term commitments for gaming revenue expenditures. Some ideas regarding real accountability regarding taxpayer return on investment relative to public funded or subsidized operations, like the convention center and hotel complex.

I’d like to see some leadership in promoting the areas infrastructure needs, and finding a way to put together a force to increase northwestern Pennsylvania’s standing when state infrastructure priorities are being developed.

I’d really like to see the new county executive demand accountability and performance on the part of our state legislative delegation, holding their feet to the fire, in public, when it comes to advancing the area’s priorities. This region needs leadership, which Erie County could provide, to compete with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, not pick of the scraps. George likes to point out the state has their eye on Erie because of gaming. Well, IF that is true, lets capitalize on that in a positive fashion.

Finally l’d like to see a way to raise the level of discourse in public decision making. These personality driven spats (like Weber / DiVecchio) do nothing to advance the agenda of anybody or anything, including personal ambitions, as DiVecchio and Weber’s losses just proved.
G. Jablonski
May 21st, 2009 at 8:55 am

Grossman will be a vast improvement over DiVecchio. DiVecchio’s term has been a wasted 4 years for the Erie region.

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About 'Outside Erie'

Peter Panepento After more than six years working as a journalist in Erie, I'm now the web editor for the Chronicle of Philanthropy in Washington, D.C., and the publisher of GlobalErie.com. I still maintain close ties to Erie - a community that I care about deeply. I hope this Web site can help inspire a better future for Erie.

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