Protesters greet Romney during visit to Buffalo
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BUFFALO, NY-Some in the Buffalo community were not happy with Mitt Romney’s visit to the Queen City. Top Buffalo Democratic officials cited Romney's failed economic policies including one in Western New york.
"Bain capital, the company that Romney was a very big part of, shut down Niagara Envelope in the town of Holland. And about 190 people lost their jobs but he took away millions from that deal," said Erie County Democratic Committee Chairman Len Lenihan.
"He said I’m a businessman, elect me I know how to run this well you didn’t run it too well in Massachusetts. They’re deficits went up. They lost jobs and they didn’t do well there. A man like mitt Romney should bringing money here not taking money out," said Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes.
Many neighbors near the Historical Society supported the protesters, not those raising money for Romney.
"I don’t agree with them and I think if they want to give they might give to something that would do more for the city of Buffalo," said Buffalo Resident John Laping.
Community groups came out to make sure their concerns were heard by the former Massachusetts governor.
"Despite what he said in the press about getting rid of Planned Parenthood, women are watching, we vote and we need to keep Planned Parenthood strong," said Planned Parenthood Advocates of WNY Spokesperson Betsy Harned.
"We’re here to protest the fact that we shouldn’t be to blame for the economy. We’re the 99 percent; we work very, very hard. But the message that's being spread in their right now is that we are the ones to blame," said NY Communities for Change Organizer Sergio Uzurin.
Others took issue with some of the Romney’s proposals.
"We can’t continue. I mean that's what he's talking about, more tax cuts. What we really need is stimulus money enough to really create jobs and do things like raising the minimum wage," said Citizen Action Board Member Ellen Kennedy.
Lenihan believes Romney's fundraising in Western New York will not affect how residents cast their ballots in November.
"After he leaves, he can take his money but the people here will be voting for president Obama. He’s going to be re elected by an overwhelming margin in this community and in this state," said Lenihan.