Even though Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio has yet to make a formal re-election announcement, the Democrat is definitely making plans to run for a second four-year term in office.

DiVecchio has told me during several interviews that he plans to seek re-election. Further, DiVecchio's re-election website is up and running.

On that site, there's an invitation for supporters to join DiVecchio at a "re-election fundraiser'' on Feb. 20 at Union Station, 123 W. 14th St. The event starts at noon.

The site also accepts campaign donations via credit card.

"I humbly request your continued support in the spring 2009 primary,'' DiVecchio writes on the site.
DiVecchio spokeswoman Alyson Amendola said his formal announcement should come within the next few weeks.

So far, Democrat Buzz Andrezeski and Republican Gil Rocco are the only publicly-announced candidates for county executive.

--Kevin Flowers