The Daily Bulletin

On Tuesday, March 18, more than 90 Buffalo State students, faculty members, and staff gathered for the Local Politics Panel Discussion to explore the importance of civic engagement at the local level. The event was organized by multiple departments (including Social Work and Government, Planning, and Philosophy) and the Bengals Vote Coalition (BVC) and featured a diverse panel of local policymakers. 

Interim President Bonita Durand, Ph.D., opened the discussion with an inspiring address, encouraging attendees to be active citizens rather than passive spectators. New York State Senator April Baskin of the 63rd Senate District, also shared her journey to public office via a prerecorded video message. 

The panel included Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, Majority Leader Leah M. Halton-Pope, Ellicott Council Member Mitch Nowakowski, Buffalo Public School Board Members Hon. Lawrence Scott and Hon. Jennifer Mecozzi, and Rebecca Castañeda, a representative from Sean Ryan’s mayoral campaign. 

Panelists engaged in a dynamic discussion, answering questions from both the moderator and audience members about how individuals can get involved in local politics and make a real difference in their communities. 

We thank all sponsors for the collaboration, including the Social Work Department; Government, Planning, and Philosophy Department; Bengals Vote Coalition; Student Political Society Club; Milligan’s Food Pantry; and Roar 2 Success. 

View event photos taken by BVC members.