House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Congressman Brian Higgins will be the first featured speakers in the newly established Daemen College Distinguished Leaders Lecture Series, which will bring top government and public officials to campus to share their unique perspective on critical state, national and international issues.

Higgins will deliver the inaugural lecture, “From the Ground Up: Building a Stronger Western New York and Nation,” at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in the college’s Wick Campus Center Social Room.

“This lecture series will give prominent leaders in the political and public service sectors the opportunity to share their experiences and insight on timely key topics,” said Daemen President Gary A. Olson. “By featuring speakers diverse in thought, perspective and leadership style, we will be fostering important discussions on varied issues impacting our region and country.”

Makes motion for vote at statewide County Clerk's Meeting

Erie County, NY - Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs made a motion at the New York State County Clerk's Association (NYSACC) meeting calling for the State Legislature to pass legislation to keep the information of pistol permit holders protected from public disclosure.

"The SAFE Act kept the State Police Pistol Permit Database protected from public disclosure yet county pistol permits are not; we are asking for consistent protection of our citizens across-the-board,” said Jacobs. The vote of the statewide County Clerk's Association, representing Clerks from the 62 Counties across the State, was nearly unanimous at today's meeting which laid out the 2014 Legislative Agenda for NYSACC.

Credits “Renew Local” Initiative and Strong Real Estate Market

Erie County, NY – As he concludes his second year in office, Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs once again closes the books with close to a $2 million surplus. Jacobs reported this week that he will record over a $1.9 million surplus.

“In the last two years we have generated more than $4 million in surplus funds, with no increase in the amount of employees at the Clerk Office,” said Jacobs.

Jacobs attributes the surplus to his hard working employees, his campaign to encourage residents to renew their license and registrations locally and a strong real estate market. “These funds do not stay at the Clerk’s Office but go back to the county to support the many important services that we provide to our citizens,” said Jacobs.

In 2012, Jacobs’s surplus in the Clerk’s Office accounted for 50% of the over-all county surplus.