November 19, 2011
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – He’s not in charge yet, but Saturday, the next Erie County Executive announced who will make up the team for his administration.
Erie County Executive-Elect, Mark Poloncarz said, “I have no interest in being in being the yes man County Executive. I want people who are willing to say that is wrong.”
When the next administration led by Erie County Executive-Elect Mark Poloncarz gets to work on January 1st, expect a diverse team working for you.
At least that’s what Poloncarz is promising.
“Erie County is urban suburban and rural. It is a multitude of ethnicity’s. It is blue collar white collar and its residents range from executives to laborers,” added Poloncarz.
On Saturday Poloncarz, who is still County Comptroller, introduced his transition team that he says will work with the current Chris Collin’s administration to ensure a smooth transition.
Poloncarz also said, “We’ve got a tough job we know it.”
The 14 member executive committee will be lead by businessman Michael Joseph.
Joseph is the president of a real estate development company, and he’s also served on boards including the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
A retired Buffalo special agent, a medical facility owner, an actress, and a registered nurse are some of the other people that will make up poloncarz’s team.
Poloncarz said, “I could have the greatest vision for this community but if I put the wrong people in there, I’m going to fail. and I’m not going to allow that to happen.”
Poloncarz says in addition to the executive committee, eight sub committees will represent various areas of county government.
The next Erie County Executive knows he’s got his work cut out, but already, he’s proposing to loosen up certain budget cuts.
Poloncarz says he’s found money, already in the budget, to fund areas like small arts and cultural organizations that had been denied taxpayer dollars under the current Collins administration.
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/poloncarz-names-administration-team