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As elected officials debate the rules governing access to a valuable county-owned luxury suite, the empty, shadowy space reflects the need for greater transparency and community engagement.Buffalo Today
As Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz unveils his proposed policy for use of the county’s suite at the new Highmark Stadium, legislators are debating about what should be included in the policy. Some legislators argue the current policy lacks transparency and oversight, while others say it appropriately balances community access and political restrictions.
Why it matters
The county-owned luxury suite at the new Highmark Stadium is seen as a valuable asset that should benefit the broader community, not just elected officials. The debate over the policy governing its use highlights ongoing tensions between government transparency and political influence.
The details
Legislator Lindsay Lorigo says the proposed policy ‘leaves a lot to be desired,’ criticizing the lack of a reporting mechanism to track who uses the suite and the continued allowance of politicians. She argues the lottery process for nonprofits to access the suite should involve legislative oversight, not just the county executive’s discretion. Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard, who worked with Poloncarz on the first draft, defends the policy, noting it allows nonprofits to use the suite and has clear rules prohibiting political events. The legislature will ultimately decide the final policy.
Poloncarz unveiled the proposed policy in April 2026.
The players
Mark Poloncarz
The Erie County Executive who unveiled the proposed policy for use of the county’s suite at the new Highmark Stadium.
Lindsay Lorigo
An Erie County Legislator who is critical of the proposed policy, arguing it lacks transparency and oversight.
Taisha St. Jean Tard
An Erie County Legislator who worked with Poloncarz on the first draft of the policy and defends its provisions for community access and political restrictions.
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What they’re saying
“I think the policy as it stands right now leaves a lot to be desired. Currently, there is no reporting mechanism that would be required for whoever is in this box to report to the legislature for a public document saying on this date, this people or these are the recipients that were in the box. I think that’s really, really important. The other thing is, right now that politicians are still allowed in these boxes, I think it’s not appropriate.”
— Lindsay Lorigo, Erie County Legislator
“This policy not only allows nonprofits to use the suite two at the same time, but it has clear transparency rules of what’s allowed and what’s not allowed. And if you look at the end of the policy and says no political events can happen there, you if elected officials in there, they have to not only reimburse the ticket to the nonprofit, but they can’t be there for free.”
— Taisha St. Jean Tard, Erie County Legislator
What’s next
The Erie County Legislature will have the final say in approving the policy governing use of the county’s suite at the new Highmark Stadium.
The takeaway
This debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing government transparency, community access, and political influence when it comes to the use of valuable public assets like luxury suites at major sporting venues.