Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) today rebuked New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz for moving full steam ahead on the controversial resettlement of refugees in Western New York.

“Syria is a hotbed of Islamic extremism. The director of the FBI casts doubt on the agency’s ability to properly vet Syrian refugees, ISIS fighters have been found among them, and today, jihadists are trying every means possible to enter the U.S.,” DiPietro said. “After the attack on Paris, we are clearly in crisis. Taking in Syrian refugees at this time is foolish and short-sighted.

“Andrew Cuomo should join the growing list of governors who refuse the settlement of Syrian refugees in their states. The governors are putting pressure on the Obama Administration to reverse its course, and it’s important that our state contribute to that cause.

“Mark Poloncarz should also be part of this fight. While a county’s role in refugee placement may be small, he should be speaking out to assure the safety of Erie County residents. Instead, he claims to be helpless. I look forward to full and complete answers from the county executive about the Syrian refugee resettlement program at the upcoming Erie County Legislature hearing.

“The people must put pressure on the counties, the counties must put pressure on the state, and the state must pressure the federal government. I refuse to believe we are powerless to stop this disastrous policy from moving forward.”