My administration is always hard at work doing what we can to ensure Erie County remains focused on providing the programs and services you demand in an efficient and effective way. While there is much uncertainty these days in our nation�s capital, I assure you that stability and common-sense leadership will remain at the forefront of county government.
Last month we held the first meeting of the Sumitomo Rubber Plant Closure Task Force. We had an open discussion about the future of the property and the displaced employees and also talked about various other issues resulting from the closure of the manufacturing plant in Tonawanda. The task force will meet regularly, and we will continue to update you on the progress we make as we address the future use of the site and how former workers still seeking new employment can be assisted in their job search.
I recently met with the Erie County Environmental Management Council to discuss their annual report on actions that should be taken to create a greener, cleaner and more energy efficient community. We all need to fully understand the environmental issues and local concerns that directly impact us. I always enjoy hearing from this group and thank each Council member for their incredible interest in such vitally important topics.
Earlier this month I had the honor of helping to announce the return of Dolly Parton�s Imagination Library to Erie County, a program which mails books to the homes of children at no charge to the family. I was joined by Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera, herself a retired teacher, who spoke about the importance of introducing reading to children and encouraging them to read whenever possible. I�m proud Erie County is helping provide each child enrolled in the program the opportunity to reach their full potential thanks to our partnership with Dolly Parton�s Imagination Library.
Every day throughout Black History Month we honor African American history by acknowledging contributions by individual leaders and also highlight local organizations and historic landmarks. Anyone can join the celebration by visiting the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library�s website at www.buffalolib.org for a list of upcoming events, exhibits and special performances that will take place at various libraries throughout the month of February.
Finally, as I wrote in my commentary that was recently published by the Toronto Sun, it is important our nation continue to strengthen its established relationship with Canada, not weaken it. Their nation is strong and independent, and the United States remains united with our border neighbor in similar goals and aspirations. Any type of trade war between the U.S. and Canada is unnecessary as it will only weaken both countries, as well as damage an alliance of peace and goodwill between two nations that dates back over 200 years. Erie County businesses export $2 billion in goods and services to Canada, nearly one half of all exports. The recently discussed 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods imported into the U.S. would hurt the American people and especially our economy.
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