Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz issued the following statement after the passing of former Erie County Executive Dennis Gorski:

"I am very saddened to learn of the passing of former three-term Erie County Executive Dennis Gorski. County Executive Gorski set the standard of leadership and good government all county executives following aspire to attain. A Marine who served in Vietnam, County Legislator, NYS Assemblymember, and later in life, Cheektowaga Town Justice, he led a life of public service that is unmatched locally.

On a personal note, before I took office as county executive, I asked him for advice and he offered the following that I still rely on today: 'never forget, we serve at the will of the people, and do what you believe in your heart is in the best interest of the people of our great community and you will succeed.'

I offer my deepest condolences to his wife Mary Jo, his children, and all his many friends and family on his passing."

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