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Erie County: Countywide elected officials urge restraint, common sense to curtail shoppers' panic buying

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Sun, Mar 15th 2020 05:35 pm

Toilet paper, other household items disappearing from store shelves unnecessarily on fears of coronavirus

Officials counsel prudent, reasonable shopping habits and support of local businesses, restaurants to ease burden

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz has joined elected officials from across Erie County in a unified call for residents to refrain from panic buying, as well as continue supporting local businesses and restaurants, as fears of the spread of coronavirus grow.

Panic buying of large amounts of items such as toilet paper and other paper products, baby wipes, over-the-counter medicines, and other items has left retailers’ store shelves bare in many communities.

In addition, elected officials underscored their support for local restaurants and small businesses during this period, urging residents to continue to patronize and support these establishments however they responsibly can.

A statement from the elected officials is below:

“As elected officials we are charged with protecting public health and safety above all and we act in the best interests of our constituents. In times like these we can all help and protect each other by being reasonable and empathetic in our consumer habits, buying what we need and leaving some for the next person. Unnecessary panic buying stokes needless fear, places unwanted burdens on retailers and their employees, and deprives individuals and families of products that they need for their own health and well-being. Please be mindful of your neighbors, friends and larger community as well as yourself and your family, and let this mindfulness show in your consumer habits as we navigate this epidemic together.

“We also encourage our constituents to remember our local restaurants and small businesses and to continue to support these establishments. If not dining in, residents should consider ordering food for take-out or delivery, purchasing gift certificates, or supporting these establishments in another way. These businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, supporting many families and individuals, and now is the time to show them our support. We are all in this together, and by being caring, conscientious, and responsible members of our individual communities we will show once again highlight why Erie County is a great place to live.”

Joining County Executive Poloncarz in the statement were:

  • Michelle Schoeneman, East Aurora village trustee
  • William C. Schroeder, mayor, Village of Lancaster
  • Byron Brown, mayor, City of Buffalo
  • John Tobia, supervisor, Town of North Collins
  • Earl Gingerich, supervisor, Town of Marilla
  • Diane Benczkowski, supervisor Town of Cheektowaga
  • Jason Keding, supervisor, Town of Boston
  • Deborah L. Rogers, mayor, Village of Williamsville
  • Melissa M. Hartman, supervisor, Town of Eden
  • Marcia Kimmel-Hurt, trustee, Village of East Aurora
  • Rick Davis, mayor, City of Tonawanda
  • Patrick Mang, mayor, Village of Kenmore
  • Peter Mercurio, mayor, Village of East Aurora
  • William Krebs, mayor, Village of Springville
  • Beverly Gambino, supervisor, Town of Sardinia
  • Kenneth Martin, supervisor, Town of Collins
  • Joseph H. Emminger, supervisor, Town of Tonawanda
  • Patrick Casilio, supervisor, Town of Clarence
  • Jim Shaw, supervisor, Town of Hamburg
  • Dean W Adamski, supervisor, Town of Alden
  • Kevin J. Peterson, mayor, Village of Depew
  • James DePasquale, supervisor, Town of Colden
  • James J. Bach, supervisor, Town of Aurora
  • Clyde M. Drake, supervisor, Town of Concord
  • Ronald Ruffino Sr., supervisor, Town of Lancaster

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