By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – For the first time in two years, it appears Erie County Executive Joel Giambra will have to deal with a County Legislature controlled by the opposition party.
The Democrats hold an eight to seven edge in the newly-downsized Legislature based on the results of Tuesday's elections.
Giambra won Tuesday's election over Democrat Daniel Ward by a ten point margin. While substantial, is it large enough for Giambra to claim a mandate as he seeks to further his agenda of regional consolidation?
And even if he tries to move his agenda forward, how will the Legislature's new Democratic majority respond?
Michael Haselswerdt is a professor of political science at Canisius College.
Haselwerdt joined us on the phone from his office with some answers to our questions.
You can hear the interview by clicking the "listen" icon above.