Western New York’s Economy Is Dead — and We Keep Pretending That’s Fine

Let’s be honest.

Western New York’s economy isn’t just “slow.” It’s dead. And the most dangerous thing we’ve done is get used to it.

People keep leaving. Young people don’t stay. Population declines — Niagara Falls has gone from a city of more than 102,000 people to barely 48,000. And every few years we shake our heads, sigh, and then re-elect the same people who presided over the mess in the first place. And then we act surprised when nothing changes.

Be honest. Do your kids want to stay here? Can they? Can you? Where you going to work? The mall that might be closing as they build a better version across the river?

This is supposed to be the place where you want your kids and grandkids to build a life. But what are they supposed to do here? Work at a mall that’s already half-empty? Leave — like so many already have?

We’ve allowed national political mania to replace basic, common-sense local economics. Cable-news fights crowd out real conversations about jobs, trade, farming, and growth.

Take Canada. Does anyone seriously think a trade war with Canada makes sense for Western New York? Maybe that plays well somewhere else. Here, it’s economic self-harm. Our economy depends on cross-border trade, tourism, and cooperation. When those ties weaken, we feel it immediately.

Or look at our farmers. Many are barely hanging on. And everyone knows the truth — but too many leaders are afraid to say it out loud: we need workers. We need practical visa solutions for seasonal and agricultural labor because there simply aren’t enough people living here to do the work. Pretending otherwise doesn’t save farms. It just helps them fail quietly.

This isn’t a mystery.

It’s neglect.

Solution: Fight for the Economy That Actually Exists Here

I’m not going to pretend I can fix every problem from a local office. I can’t. And anyone who tells you otherwise isn’t being honest.

But here’s what I can do — and what I will do.

I will fight relentlessly for the people who actually keep this region running. I will stand with our farmers and producers and use every bit of influence and energy I have to make sure they are heard, supported, and never ignored because it’s politically inconvenient.

I will work every single day to strengthen our ties with Canada — because when the national nonsense eventually ends, as it always does, Western New York should be positioned to grow, not left scrambling to catch up.

And I will stay focused on the economy we actually have — not the one people argue about on television.

An economy built on agriculture, tourism, energy, cross-border trade, and Niagara Falls. These are the pillars.

An economy rooted in real work, real people, and real opportunity.

You don’t have to agree with me on national politics. You already know where I stand. I’m not hiding it. But that’s not what this race is about.

This race is about whether Western New York is serious about keeping people here — about building a place where families can stay, grow, and thrive.

If you believe our future depends on strong farms, real economic cooperation, and leadership that shows up every day focused on results — then we’re on the same side.

And if your priority is culture wars, cable-news outrage, or symbolic fights that don’t keep food on tables or young people in this region, then you should vote for someone else.

I’m running to fight for what I believe in. And I believe Western New York can do better — if we’re finally willing to focus on the work instead of the noise.