Erie County is a metropolitan center located on the western border of New York State covering 1,058 square miles and consisting of 3 cities and 25 town governments. It has almost a million residents.
Erie County is governed under a home rule charter which provides for the separation of legislative and executive functions. County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, elected to a four year term, is the chief executive officer of the County. The County Legislature, consisting of 11 members elected to two year terms, is the County's governing body. Other elected positions are Comptroller, County Clerk, District Attorney, and Sheriff.