It is an honor and a privilege to represent the residents of Lancaster, Alden, Depew, Bowmansville, and parts of Cheektowaga in the Erie County Legislature. I appreciate all of the kind words and well wishes as I was officially sworn in to office last  week. Improving our roads and bridges, remaining active in the community, pushing for responsible county government, and fighting on behalf of taxpayers are just a few of my main priorities as we begin the New Year. While we just had our first legislative session and things are sure to pick up at the Legislature in the coming weeks, I’d like to use this month’s column to introduce myself and tell you more about my background.

I have spent my entire life in the 8th legislative district. I grew up in Depew-Cheektowaga and attended our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament on French Road. In 1992, my family moved up the road to Lancaster where I currently live with my wife Cecile and our five children. Our community is a great place to live, work and raise a family.  I look forward to continuing to help it thrive.

I have spent my life fixing things that are broken. When I was 18, I took over my father’s business, Queen City Collision. Four years later, we merged with an auto-body franchise and I became the youngest manager in company history. After spending 9 years balancing books, managing personnel, and opening three new branches, I eventually opened my own business, Collision Masters, which is located in Buffalo and employs 32 people.  Since opening our doors, Collision Masters has serviced thousands of cars per year and created jobs for people throughout the community. It is my goal to bring a passion for hard work and successful business values to Erie County government.

After serving four years on the board of the Good Government Club of WNY, I decided I can’t sit on the sidelines any longer and it’s time for someone to stand up for the hard-working families in our community. Under the current county administration, the county executive continues to recklessly spend your tax dollars without giving you a break in property taxes.  Maintaining our infrastructure and making sure we have safe roads and bridges continues to be ignored.  I can assure you my colleagues in the Legislature and I will be fighting to change that.

I am eager to get to work for you and advocate on behalf of the 8th district. I encourage anyone who has questions, comments, or concerns to reach out to my office. I can be reached at Frank.Todaro@erie.gov or by phone at 716-681-2071. You can also stay-up-to-date on things happening at the Legislature and throughout the community by following my Facebook page ‘Legislator Frank Todaro.’ I look forward to hearing from you!