Collins Delivers State of the County Address BUFFALO (wned) - Erie County Executive Chris Collins delivered his annual State of the County address to an appreciative audience at HSBC's Harbor Club this morning.

The County Executive wasted no time in touting the accomplishments of his administration over the last two years. Despite the economic challenges facing Albany and Washington, Collins said Erie County has been able to weather the storms.

"I am pleased and proud to report that the state of Erie County is strong, as we will end the 2009 budget year with a $44 million surplus, one of the largest year-end surpluses in the history of Erie County," said Collins.

Comptroller Mark Polonzcarz has taken issue with the size of the 2009 surplus, putting the figure more in the $40 million range.

"It is good news to hear that we are financially stable, that we do have a substantial surplus, that we are moving in the right direction," said attendee Barbara Miller-Williams, Chair of the Erie County Legislature.

The County Executive praised Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown for his economic development initiatives.

Collins saved his harshest criticism until the end of the nearly 50-minute long address, blasting Albany, saying "we are all victims of Albany's dysfunction."

Click the play button above to hear Collins's speech.


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