ERIE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONTINUES ATTACK ON BUSINESSES

December 19, 2020

Mr. Mark Grundtisch
Holiday Twin Rinks General Manager
3465 Broadway
Cheektowaga, NY 14227

Dear Mr. Grundtisch

First and foremost, thank you for your hard work and effort operating Holiday Twin Rinks.  This past year has been difficult.  Shutdowns devasted several industries. Many businesses are closing permanently or barely hanging on. I have publicly advocated the safe reopening of all businesses. Government should create an environment where you can thrive, not punish you with COVID rules politicians themselves do not follow, especially those that order you to wear a mask but are caught photographed without wearing one while golfing, drinking beer and eating communal food.  We can protect the elderly and immunocompromised without crippling businesses like Holiday Twin Rinks.  The two goals are not mutually exclusive. 

I was extremely disheartened to hear about the Erie County Department of Health yet again attacking local businesses by shutting down your business.  Hundreds of children involved in youth sports can no longer practice or engage in much needed exercise.  Families planning to travel for practices now must make last minute plans.  Erie County’s unfortunate attacks on businesses is needlessly destroying families.

Back in the spring I used my authority to waive penalties on late payments for hotels that owe Hotel Occupancy Tax.  This is just one measure I took to help struggling businesses.

Once again, I exercised my authority under the Erie County Charter to help businesses owners hit with punitive COVID-19 fines from the Erie County Department of Health. If you are fined, do not mail in a payment to the Erie County Health Department. Instead, contact my office immediately.  I would also suggest you contact or retain the services of an attorney to appeal your closure or potential fines.

My office is committed to helping – not hurting – businesses. At a time when many of you struggle to pay employees or personal bills, my office will do everything we can to help.

Again, if you have been fined by the Erie County Department of Health for a COVID-19 violation, contact my office immediately at 716-858-8400 or preferably by email comptroller@erie.gov. Do not send the payment to the Erie County Health Department. My office took stringent measures with our banking partner to prohibit their office from making deposits.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

            Sincerely,

           Stefan I. Mychajliw, Jr.
           Erie County Comptroller

For a PDF of the letter, please CLICK HERE.