CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. - Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (D-NY) joined Erie County Comptroller candidate Mark Poloncarz for a press conference, at the North Buffalo Community Center, to announce his endorsement of Poloncarz's campaign. Brian Higgins is the Democratic Congressman representing New York's 27th District.

"Mark Poloncarz is an independent voice for the people of Erie County and I am proud to give him my support," said Congressman Higgins. "With his experience as a private sector business and finance attorney and active community leader, Mark understands Erie County's need for fiscal discipline and accountable leadership."

"Public service is about having vision, and having a willingness to make that vision a reality," Higgins added. "Mark's commitment to reform county government is genuine, and he has the tools that we need to force change."

"I am pleased and grateful to receive Congressman Higgins' endorsement," said Poloncarz. "His support represents a powerful statement about the strength and momentum of my campaign. With less than a week left, this endorsement clearly indicates that we are on the right on track, and are much closer to giving our families the independent leadership in the comptroller's office they deserve. I will work above the partisanship and patronage to institute common sense solutions and reduce Erie County's budget deficit."

Poloncarz later added, "I have talked to voters across Erie County and they understand the need for strong leadership with new ideas. We need an independent comptroller who will hold county officials accountable for their mismanagement. I will be an active, vocal advocate for the people of Erie County to make sure their hard earned tax dollars are spent wisely."

Poloncarz has a ten-point action plan for strengthening the Office of Comptroller that includes timely, proactive audits and performance and management audits of County government and its related entities, monthly reviews and analyses of county spending, and regular reporting on revenues. He is endorsed by the Democratic, Independence, Working Families and Save Jobs Parties. To view his action plan or get more information about his campaign, please visit www.markpoloncarz.com.