Fundraiser Event for County Executive nominee Christina Vogel

Alana Sabol

County Council Vice Chairman Rock Copeland introduces Vogel

On July 23 in Centennial Hall, formerly Basement Transmissions, Erie residents poured in to show their support for the Democratic nominee for County Executive Christina Vogel. Vogel has received bipartisan endorsements and former and current county officials attended the event to back the nominee. 

One of the hosts of the fundraiser, County Council Vice Chairman Rock Copeland, spoke on Vogel's interest in building community in Erie. "I think the results of the primary really proved the point that she's a coalition builder and brings together people that you might not expect all working together." 

Copeland also mentioned issues with the current County Executive Brenton Davis, who is  running for reelection, in his speech citing properties around Pleasant Ridge in Fairview falling into disrepair  despite the funding to do so. "It's really time for new leadership, someone that works well with others," Copeland said. 

In her speech, Vogel also mentioned the current issues in the county, including nine lawsuits and the understaffed county prison with a leaking roof. "The dysfunction is so unsettling for so many of us and for so many reasons. So for me, it is about leadership that works together, leadership that listens to the people, and leadership that is really caring about making a difference and is honest and trustworthy," Vogel said. 

Other attendees also voiced reasons for their support. Kelly Armor, the Folklorist-in-Residence at Erie Arts and Culture, called Vogel "very genuine and very smart" and added, "My sense is that morale is really bad among public servants at the county level. So, I think there's a lot of repair that's needed. We need those public servants to have a healthy county." 

Perry Wood, executive director of the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority and former primary candidate for County Executive, also endorsed Vogel. "We need to rally around Christina Vogel as the next County Executive because too much is at stake. The County Executive is a really important level of government that affects many people's lives," Wood said. "We need someone who is compassionate, who is competent, and who will listen to the people of Erie. That person is Christina Vogel." 

Near the end of the evening, Copeland reflected on Vogel's qualities as a nominee and how they differed from her competitor Davis. "I care about the community and I want the community to be better, and the fact is, Davis is currently an impediment to improving the community," Copeland said. "To have somebody else, someone who cares and has heart, is big. It's not a reason to vote against someone but a reason to vote for someone."