Opportunities must be created in WNY

The yearly tradition of Old Home Days is a shining example of our neighborly community coming together to create an incredible festival. We should all be proud of the various organizations that comprise Old Home Days. These groups build booths to sell food or gift items, staff games of chance and create awareness. I also applaud the hundreds of volunteers that make our festival run so smoothly.

As an Amherst expatriate, I had a unique Old Home Days perspective. For several years I moved away to pursue other business opportunities. I recall the feeling of coming home - knowing I would see old friends and relive childhood memories. I also longed to move home, and four years ago my wife and I chose to move back to our community.

This past week I ran into several old friends who are living in Texas, California, Illinois and New York City. They moved away because of job opportunities and New York's oppressive tax structure. We need to improve Western New York's economic environment to bring our young people back home.

As a candidate for Erie County Legislature I pledge to aggressively work on accomplishing our economic development goals. This can be done through reducing the regulation on local businesses and creating a competitive environment for companies to locate in WNY. I will also work hard on finding creative solutions to reducing our taxes. Taxes should be reasonable and necessary - not an excessive revenue source for our county.

As a youngster, our festival meant a front row seat at the parade and hours at the games and rides. Today it means excitement and happiness for our children and catching up with old acquaintances. We must succeed at our economic development and tax reform goals for the sake of our friends, our children and our grandchildren.

Edward A. Rath III candidate for 15th District

Erie County Legislature