BETTY JEAN GRANT ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY

My name is Betty Jean Grant, and as I announced over a month ago, I am running for the Erie County Legislature’s 2nd Legislative District seat. This is a public office I previously held from 2010 to 2017. I waited until former Erie County Legislator April Baskin vacated the seat to run for and win the NYS Senate’s 63rd District seat before deciding to seek my former office again.

I am deeply familiar with the needs of Erie County’s 2nd Legislative District and understand how to effectively advocate for its residents. That commitment has never wavered.

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, I attended the Erie County Democratic Committee’s Candidate Selection meeting. Unfortunately, this process appeared to have been prearranged to favor an inexperienced and less-qualified candidate, who has since been appointed to the seat. Having been on both sides of the candidate selection table, I understand the political dynamics at play. Many committee members feel beholden to party leaders who helped secure their positions, making it difficult for them to vote against the system.

At the meeting, I was disheartened by an unkind reference to my age, with several years added to it. While I corrected the error, I hope those individuals choose a higher moral ground in the future when considering who should represent our community.

I have always been an independent voice in governance and am humbled by the opportunity to return to serve Erie County’s 2nd District. If elected, I will dedicate myself to advocating for families in our community with every ounce of my strength and knowledge. I have spent my life fighting for opportunities, and I remain unafraid to challenge a political machine that often overlooks the East Side until election time.

In the past, I’ve supported capable and deserving candidates from Buffalo’s diverse communities, even when doing so jeopardized my political career. I believe in standing up for what is right and ensuring that our Democratic Committee remains trustworthy, transparent, and honest.

As your next Erie County Legislator, I promise to deliver resources, support small businesses, advocate for affordable housing, reduce homelessness, hold the line on tax increases, and promote redevelopment throughout our district. I’ve heard your concerns, and I share them. Together, we can address these challenges and create lasting change.

If you live in Erie County’s 2nd Legislative District, I hope to earn your support. Please consider making a donation, spreading the word about my candidacy, and, most importantly, casting your vote on Primary Day (June 24, 2025) and on Election Day (November 4, 2024).

Let’s not just complain—let’s organize. I am energized and ready to fight for the East Side of Buffalo and beyond.