Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today invited United States Congressman Chris Collins to join him for a live Town Hall style public discussion about reducing the senseless violence in our country and exploring what can be done to prevent future tragedies like what took place last week in Parkland, Florida.

“There is no more important issue in our nation today than protecting our citizens from the senseless slaughter of innocent individuals, including children, from mass shootings,” said Poloncarz. “Mass shootings are happening far too frequently and occurring everywhere, including the schools that educate our children. We must address this issue, which is why I am asking Congressman Collins to join me for a unique opportunity to continue a dialogue we began last week about sensible gun laws.”

Poloncarz and Collins spoke by phone last Friday (Feb. 16) afternoon on a variety of topics related to the aftermath of the most recent school shooting, including potential legislation calling for common sense gun laws to be passed at the federal level. Collins had previously stated we need to have “a sit-down and a conversation on what we can do” to prevent future tragedies. Their approximately 20 minute discussion gave Poloncarz the idea to explore the possibility of continuing the dialogue in a broadcast setting that would reach a wider audience.

“This is an incredibly important topic and I have since spoken to WNED-TV President Don Boswell and John Grant, the station’s producer, who indicated they would be honored to host a live public discussion and simulcast the event on WBFO-FM radio and/or WNED television,” said Poloncarz. “Their commitment and willingness to air a special broadcast of this nature provides us an opportunity to schedule this public conversation in the hopes of having a healthy, informed and energetic discussion on this issue.”

A copy of Poloncarz’s letter calling on Congressman Collins to join him can be found here.