Republicans Make Gains in Legislature

The republicans pick up three seats in the elections for Erie County Legislature. Dino Fudoli will represent Lancaster, Lynn Dixon beats incumbent Robert Reynolds in Hamburg, and the third try is the charm for Kevin Hardwick, who beats incumbent Michele Iannello.

"You never know. I may be back again," said Iannello.

Right now, the democrats hold a 12 to 3 majority. In January, it moves to 9 to 6. The democrats no longer have the power to override a Collins veto. He recruited private sector candidates for the legislature.

"What played a role is the agenda we have been pushing in the last two years, which is running county government like a business," said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. Eyewitness News asked Legislator Tom Mazur if he was surprised Collins injected himself in the races.

"I guess he has gotten a taste of blood now. No I am not surprised. He told me a year and a half ago this is what he was going to do," said Mazur.

County Executive Collins was center stage with the candidates he recruited last night, who also thanked him in their speeches. Eyewitness News asked Collins if he thinks the candidates he supported will stand up if they do not agree with him.

"Absolutely not. We have that kind of debate all of the time in this administration," added Collins.

What the debate will be like inside the legislature will not be known until January 1st. But some of the newly elected already looking to the future.

"I hope there is a more bi-partisan effort in the legislature going forward. That is the big thing for me," said Legislator-Elect Lynn Dixon.

MORE FROM WKBW-TV

WKBW-TV Section Front

Teens Sentenced in Deadly Christmas Day Shooting Monday Headlines for November 30, 2009 High Rise Fire on Buffalo's East Side Online Shoppers, Get Ready for Cyber Monday! Bills Fans Have Reason To Cheer WKBW-TV Section Front   Add WKBW-TV headlines to your news reader: