BUFFALO, N.Y. — The much-anticipated debate in the Erie County Executive's Race is Thursday night at 7 PM on Channel 2, wgrz.com and the WGRZ YouTube page.
Incumbent Democrat Mark Poloncarz is challenged by Independence Party County Legislator Lynne Dixon, who is running on the Republican line.
Here are two issues to watch for in the debate.
Erie County Property Taxes
Poloncarz will argue he's lowered the tax "rate" and has the county's finances in good shape.
Dixon will call for a tax "cut" and will point out the overall tax levy has increased under Poloncarz.
Erie County Roads
Dixon has been very critical of Poloncarz, putting out an ad accusing him of bad management of the county's infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Poloncarz will argue he's made major investments with Erie County just getting its highest score "ever" as far as the condition of our roads.
Those will certainly be among the topics at the debate.
One of the questioners tonight -- will be Channel 2's Steve Brown.
"We're thinking we'll get at least 16, possibly as many as 24 different questions in if the answers are short and tight and we don't have to redirect too many times, so that's a lot of material. but we've already strategized, and I won't reveal secrets, but we've already strategized on what topics we'll hit, how often we're going to hit them, who's going to get what question. all of that stuff has kind of been drawn out," said Brown.
The debate will take place in the WNED-TV studios and begins at 7 p.m.
2 On Your Side's Michael Wooten will be watching the debate and fact-checking what Poloncarz and Dixon have to say. You can watch his Verify report on Channel 2 News at 11 p.m. and on wgrz.com.