Shoffner sworn into office

PERKINS TWP. — An Erie County commissioner officially began his second four-year term. During a Friday ceremony, incumbent Steve Shoffner underwent a swearing-in ceremony, a formality before he can, once again, serve. Shoffner ran unopposed in the November election. "I wanted to run for a second term in office to continue serving all residents and businesses in the county," Shoffner said. He first became a commissioner in 2019 alongside fellow board members Matt Old and Pat Shenigo. Terms for Old and Shenigo don't expire for another two years. "I was both humbled and grateful to have won support from residents four years ago and to have support from residents again this year is also very humbling," he said. "I feel I must make my decisions based on what will bring the greater good to as many county residents as possible," Shoffner added. "I have learned much during the past four years, but I also expect to learn much more during the next four years by listening and engaging with those who rely on and interact with the county and its services." Shoffner then listed some of his biggest achievements while in office: maintaining solid finances, advancing mental health services, strengthening the Erie County land bank program and securing federal grants for transportation improvements. His future goals revolve around creating more cohesion with other local governments, supporting economic development policies and prudently spending millions of dollars coming in the form of COVID-19-related relief funds.