Elected officials, business leaders, and county executive candidates gathered to discuss the region’s top business and economic development issues
Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership held its annual political forum and first-time candidate debate to discuss the region’s top business and economic development policy issues. The debate focused on the race for the next county executive between candidates Brenton Davis and Dr. Tyler Titus.
“The county executive is a key partner in the success of the region’s economic development strategy,” said James Grunke, CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber. “We’re pleased to bring together business leaders, elected officials, and the candidates for a candid debate on the region’s top business climate and economic development issues.”
Candidates were asked a variety of questions focused on the Erie Regional Chamber’s policy agenda and initiatives to enhance the local business climate. Each candidate was also able to demonstrate their knowledge of the role of the county executive within the regional economic development ecosystem and expand upon their ideas for improving the regional economy and the county’s role in public-private partnership opportunities.
“I am excited to allow Erie County voters a chance to see the difference and decide for themselves which Candidate has a real-world plan for jobs, economic development, an entrepreneurial-led regional economy bringing transformative investments and generational impacts,” said Brenton Davis, the Republican candidate for county executive.
“I’m running for Erie County Executive to bring good-paying jobs back home, build infrastructure that connects, and create an economy where everyone has a fair shot at success,” said Tyler Titus, the Democratic candidate for county executive. “I know ERCGP will be a critical partner in enacting my agenda of encouraging innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and ensuring we have a community college with all the necessary tools to succeed. I’m looking forward to sharing with them my positive vision for Erie County.”
The program also included a panel discussion of state delegation members Senator Dan Laughlin, Representative Pat Harkins, Representative Bob Merski, and Representative Brad Roae moderated by Curtis Jones Jr.
