By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Voters have picked a new Erie County Executive. He is Chris Collins -- a Republican businessman from Clarence. Collins overwhelming defeated Democratic challenger James Keane.
Chris Collins appeared before a large crowd of supporters at Buffalo's Hyatt Regency hotel to celebrate his landslide victory. Collins ran on a platform of running county government like a business. Collins says voters are eager for change and a clean break from the failed policies of the past.
Collins says his margin of victory was surprising and overwhelming. This campaign was marked by bitter battles between Collins and Keane. Keane's campaign ads attacked Collins, calling him a rich businessman who is not in touch with everyday working people. But it was a message that apparently did not persuade voters against Collins. Collins is pledging to fight special interests who want the status quo to continue.
Collins says he plans to tap across party lines and into the private sector for members of his administration.
Collins says he wants to build consensus. But when asked what he would say to anyone who is doubtful he will be able to run Erie County like a business -- Collins replied "just watch."