ORCHARD PARK, NY (WIVB) – “I will not support tax money to build a new stadium if the rules remain in place so that only certain people can use it.” This is the opinion Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro, who issued a statement in response to new vaccination rules at Highmark Stadium and the KeyBank Center.
With new vaccination rules in place at both Highmark Stadium and the KeyBank Center, some people may not be able to attend events until they are protected from COVID-19.
New regulations are being put in place for people over the age of 12 after several maskless attendees were seen inside restrooms and lounges during Sunday’s game at the Buffalo Bills against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
more | Erie County, PSE sets new vaccine requirements for Highmark Stadium, KeyBank Center
In short, here are the new rules:
- Highmark Stadium guests must receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by September 26, while KeyBank Center guests must receive it by September 25.
- Guests in these places must be fully vaccinated by October 31. This means that the last shot must have occurred at least two weeks before that date.
- Anyone under the age of 12 must wear a mask at all times.
Haymark Stadium is owned by Erie County, but the team that plays there are subject to the thumbs of Terry and Kim Pegula.
Due to the dilapidated condition of the existing billing house, the Pegulas team proposed a new $1.4 billion stadium; One that would come through the locals.
Lawmaker Todaro says he does not support a new stadium if taxpayers are to foot the bill. And he is particularly not OK with citizens paying for it if only some fans are allowed, due to new vaccine rules.
“As a lawmaker who will be asked to vote on this motion, that motion was dead when I arrived with me,” he says.
Todaro, who has been vaccinated against COVID-19, says getting vaccinated “isn’t the right decision for everyone and I respect that.”
more | School bus chaos continues for families in Buffalo
The new rules requiring the vaccination were announced Tuesday afternoon.
“The rule was not in place on Sunday, and Haymark Stadium was full. Obviously, people made a decision about whether they thought it was safe or not, and I think they should have that freedom,” says Todaro. “If they don’t think it’s safe, they should stay home.”
You can read his full statement below:
“I want to be very clear about something. For several months the community has been talking about building a new stadium for the Buffalo Bills. Erie County owns the current stadium and will be responsible for building a new stadium. The Pegulas have proposed a $1.4 billion stadium that will be fully funded by payers. Taxes As a legislator who will be asked to vote on this proposal This proposal was dead when I arrived with me The taxpayer cannot pay the bill in full Negotiations for a new stadium and lease agreement with the team are underway in private Lawmakers are not kept informed The process is terrible Joins The team today goes to the county CEO and announces that unvaccinated fans can no longer attend matches. I do not represent the vaccinated and unvaccinated people, I have been elected to represent the people. All people. Personally, I am vaccinated. It was the right decision for me. It is not the right decision for everyone. And I respect that. I don’t like the path we’re on as a society, and as a legislator, I can’t support it. I won’t support tax money to build a new stadium if the rules that can only be used by certain people continue. Everyone should be able to use it. The rule was not in place on Sunday, and Haymark Stadium was full. Obviously, people have made a decision about whether or not they think it’s safe, and I think they should have that freedom. If they don’t think it’s safe, they should stay home. In conclusion, if bills want to make these kinds of rules on their own, they can, but then they must stop asking for so much taxpayer support. I was elected to serve, not to rule. This standard appears to be missing in the Poloncars County Executive.”
Legislator Frank Todaro
For those who want to get vaccinated, more information about the deadlines for getting protection in time for local events It can be found here.
more | Paisley, Ferguson offer to buy match tickets for unvaccinated fans
Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award and Emmy-nominated Digital Producer who has been part of 4 . news team since 2015. See more of his work here And Follow him on Twitter.