Madison Kwiecinski 

New Editor

Mvk5945@psu.edu

Tyler Titus (they/them) made history in 2017 by being the first openly transgender person in Pennsylvania to be elected into office. Titus was elected to the Board of Erie’s City School Directors, and is now running for elected office once again, hoping to now be elected as Erie County Executive. 

Titus is running against republican Brenton Davis in this race, and has just recently completed their first debate against Davis. The debate was hosted by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, and held during its annual political forum at the Erie Art Museum. However, the debate was a registered event attended only by about 70 people and centered largely on the business and economic climate of Erie County. 

A live streamed and televised debate will take place between the two candidates on October 12th at 7 p.m., but will not include in person attendance. 

The Erie business community was very interested in the candidate’s stances on taxes, but Titus said they had no interest in making blanket promises they may be unable to keep once elected. 

“What I can promise is to be a strong steward, who’s dedicated to making sure there is no misuse of the money that comes in, that it’s effective, efficient and that we’re doing whatever we can to educate and get our community members where they need to me so they can re enter back into the job force,” Titus said.

Another controversial issue Erie County is facing in this election is the fate of the recently opened Erie community College. Titus is a longtime supporter of the college, and has expressed concerns about what his opponent will do regarding the college if elected.

Titus recently cited one of Davis’ previous remarks in which he said, “I will defund this lunacy in 2022.” 

Titus also strongly believes that public health and human services play an “intricate role” in Erie’s economic development. “If the community is not healthy, the economy cannot thrive,” said Titus. 

Human services are also exceptionally important to Titus, who has noted that most of the $400 million annual budget for Erie County falls under human services. Titus grew up in a home with foster siblings, an experience he said has largely inspired him to be on the track he is today. He has also worked to provide therapy for at-risk youth, and has a unique understanding of how human services can impact lives. 

“The health of the community (falls under the) oversight of the county executive and we have to have somebody in there who understands the various departments in human services,” Titus said.

The office of Erie County Executive is a more important role than ever now, after last year’s pandemic and the current rising numbers.. The Erie County Department of Health is one of the major wings under the County Executives supervision. Titus has put an emphasis on public health during his campaign, something incredibly relevant with rising coronavirus cases. 

PA Governor Wolf has endorsed Tyler Titus for the office as well, and said that he has followed Titus’s career since his school board victory in 2017. 

“I chose Tyler to serve as Co-Vice-Chair of a statewide commission because I know their passion, values, and experience are what this commonwealth needs,” Governor Tom Wolf said. “Now, I am proud to support their campaign for Erie County Executive, where I have no doubt they will continue to be a champion for working families”