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Sandra Tan

@sandratan.bsky.social

I'm a Buffalo News reporter in search of meaningful Erie County government stories that tell us something about the way we live. Proud member of the Buffalo Newspaper Guild. Also on X and Facebook.

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Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · 16h ago

County cars, helicopter spending and accusations of political targeting: An Erie County budget hearing became a fight over the comptroller’s audits. Administration officials challenged the findings; the comptroller’s staff defended their oversight. The The Buffalo News story:

‘Weaponized’ audits? County officials clash over comptroller’s findings

Tempers flared and harsh words were exchanged at the Erie County Legislature on Tuesday. The main target was the Comptroller’s Office, which was accused of “weaponizing” audits and harming the reputat...

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · 4d ago

You'll want to see this week's subscription-free The Buffalo News "5 under 5" headline roundup. Yes, there's some politics, but my favorite topic is the story/video about the guys who work the 150-year-old clock at Old County Hall twice a year. With Justin Sondel

Old clocks, new clerk: 5 important stories to know in Buffalo and Erie County government

5 under 5: A look at how Old County Hall's clock keeps ticking, Buffalo's search for a new Behavioral Health Team partner, a recap of election races and more.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · last wk.

UPDATE: My The Buffalo News story on Erie County Comptroller @kevinhardwick running for county executive. Includes a new video of him talking about how today's news unfolded and why he thinks he deserves the job.

To no one's surprise, Erie County's comptroller confirms his run for county executive

The political news cycle keeps spinning, and on Thursday, the wheel stopped on Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick confirming − as expected − that he is running for county executive next year.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · last wk.

It's no surprise that Comptroller Kevin Hardwick is running for county executive even though he's made no "formal" announcement. He's talked about it since 2025 and The Buffalo News has written two stories on it. Here's the first:

Does Kevin Hardwick want to be Erie County executive? Well, he's not NOT interested

Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick is running for re-election as comptroller but doesn't deny an interest in the county executive's seat.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · last wk.

Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns, a lifelong Democrat endorsed by the Republican Party, just lost his job after 9 years in office. We breakdown how it happaned in this The Buffalo News story.

How Mickey Kearns’ winning formula fell apart in the Erie County clerk’s race

Mickey Kearns survived for years with crossover appeal. Steve Meyer’s victory exposed the limits of that formula amid office controversies, a spending disadvantage and shifting voter sentiment.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · last wk.

Of all the Erie County government races up for grabs last night, the most noteworthy – by far – was Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns losing his seat. I'll have more to come on this, but here's the breaking story from last night.

Embattled incumbent Kearns loses high-stakes Erie County Clerk’s race

Steve Meyer, a Williamsville Village Board member and endorsed Democrat, unseated Michael "Mickey" Kearns after waging an aggressive campaign that shined a harsh spotlight on controversies facing the ...

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · last wk.

I'm not afraid of heights, and that's a good thing. Because I climbed tall, spiral staircases and up a vertical ladder to learn who cares for the 150-year-old clock in the tower of Old County Hall. The photos by Derek Gee are amazing.

Turning back time: How Old County Hall’s 150-year-old clock keeps ticking

A father-son team climbs Buffalo’s Old County Hall tower twice a year to maintain a historic clock, preserving its original machinery and a fading craft.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · 2w ago

A challenger for an Erie County Legislature seat says he lives in the district, in South Buffalo, in fact. But his incumbent opponent says no way, and points to his Orchard Park home - outside the district. I have the The Buffalo News story. You can decide.

Erie County legislator accuses opponent of living outside of district

John Gilmour questions challenger David Denz’s South Buffalo residency, citing his Orchard Park home and voting record. Denz says South Buffalo is his primary residence.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · 2w ago

St. Joe’s high school students hosted a debate and wanted answers. Democratic Assemblyman Pat Burke and West Seneca Supervisor Gary Dickson, the challenger, brought competing visions — and pointed jabs. The Buffalo News story on what stood out and student reaction:

St. Joe’s candidate debate for Assembly race featured personal jabs and hot takes

Patrick Burke and Gary Dickson sparred over taxes, guns and personal controversies at St. Joe’s, giving students a close look at the candidates in a competitive state Assembly race.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · 3w ago

This week's (subscription free) roundup of five worthwhile The Buffalo News stories from the halls of local government includes a video of a fed-up public advocate, a police lawsuit, and election stuff you may have missed.

A looming police lawsuit and a rebuke of legislators: 5 city and county stories to follow

The big local government stories we're watching this week: A local lawyer rebukes county lawmakers, a woman looks to sue Buffalo PD, the start of election season, and more.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · 3w ago

They oversee Erie County government, scrutinize spending and distribute grants. Who wants to represent you in the County Legislature? Our guide includes an interactive Erie County, NY district map and answers from all 10 candidates in the five contested races:

The Erie County Legislature is up for grabs: Here's a guide on the 5 contested seats

Two Republicans are leaving, five races are contested and a shift in election years could reshape turnout. Here’s what to watch in Erie County Legislature elections.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · 3w ago

Does Kathy Hochul help or hurt local Democrats? As early voting opens in Erie County, NY, Republicans see the @governor.ny.gov as a turnout weapon. Hochul says they’re overlooking what’s changed. Inside both parties’ push to get voters to the polls:

Help or hindrance? Hochul takes center stage as early voting begins

As early voting opens in Erie County, Republicans cast Hochul as a liability, while Democrats tie GOP candidates to Trump. Both parties are focusing on turnout.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · 4w ago

Are Justin Sondel and great at shooting selfie video? Nope. But it's not stopping us! Catch the latest (subscription free) weekly roundup of Erie County, NY and Buffalo issues. Watch the video rundown and read details here from city and county hall.

A jail dispute, roof repairs and taxes: 5 Buffalo city and county issues to follow

Every week The News releases a "5 under 5" episode where we offer a high-level look at the biggest city and county stories, and explain why they matter to Buffalonians. (No subscription necessary)

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · 4w ago

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said his proposed 2027 budget is tight and sees more "dark clouds on the horizon." He blames federal government actions and the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Poloncarz rails against Washington while describing ‘OK’ 2027 proposed budget

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says federal cost shifts leave the county less room for programs or tax relief in 2027. Delayed changes have softened the blow, but bigger challenges could follow.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · 4w ago

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz's proposed 2027 budget, is officially released today. You won't find a more complete breakdown and explanation of what's in the spending plan than here in The Buffalo News Note a new correction in job numbers.

Poloncarz’s proposed $2.5 billion budget focuses on function and status quo

Poloncarz calls his $2.57 billion plan conservative and unflashy. But costs are rising and that doesn’t leave room for much new stuff.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · last mo.

ICYMI: This week's latest "5 under 5" installment brings you 5 important headlines from The Buffalo News city and county hall reporters Justin Sondel and myself. We make sure you don't miss any of the big news from the past week when you're short on time.

From a new shelter to a restaurant legal battle, here are 5 city and county stories to follow

For this week's 5 under 5, we cover the latest Templeton Landing legal update, a new homeless shelter for Buffalo, the latest in the Seneca Nation gas station dispute and more.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · last mo.

In recent years, the Erie County attorney has had to tell the Erie County Legislature to talk about why his budget for paying out lawsuit settlements and judgments is running dry. Each time, I take the opportunity to review specific cases. Like this time.

Erie County’s lawsuit fund runs short. And more trials are coming.

After record lawsuit payouts, Erie County’s legal fund is running low. The county attorney wants to shift $3 million to cover judgments, settlements and potential trial costs through December.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · last mo.

For almost any job you need ID. And often, you need to drive to get there. That presents barriers to low-income city residents looking for employment. But Community Action Organization and Erie County Clerk's Office are teaming up to make license access easier.

A driver’s license can open doors. A new Buffalo program aims to hand over the keys

A new Buffalo program would cover driving lessons, tests and license fees to help low-income residents overcome transportation barriers and reach more jobs.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · last mo.

The sale of World War II-era Nazi collectible items at a local gun show has sparked controversy and political backlash. I spoke with everyone involved, who each had a distinct point of view. The full story:

Nazi collectibles at Erie County gun show prompt backlash and future ban

A vendor says his Nazi-era artifacts preserve history. Critics say the symbols normalize hate. Now, the Hamburg gun show’s promoter plans to prohibit the items.

buffalonews.com

Sandra Tan@sandratan.bsky.social · last mo.

The latest installment of 5 Under 5 is out! Reporting colleague Justin Sondel and I give a fast rundown of 5 stories coming up this week that are worth following, with a short video and more details on the stuff worth knowing. New episode each Monday:

From pricey lawsuits to a gas station dispute, here are 5 local government issues to follow

5 under 5: Reporters Sandra Tan and Justin Sondel pick five local government stories to watch — and explain why they matter, in under 5 minutes. (No subscription needed)

buffalonews.com