Working with Local Governments on Cooperative Measures
to Save Taxpayer Dollars
Using my decades of professional experience in public policy, I will work cooperatively with local government partners to conduct studies and analyses of ways we can further collaborate on shared services and initiatives to provide public services more efficiently and effectively. There are many avenues including back office operations and tasks where the county and our local colleagues may be able to work together cooperatively in ways that reduce costs, improve services and deliver better outcomes to the taxpayers and residents we serve.
Erie County has participated in New York State’s Shared Services Plan since its inception in the 2018 budget. This planning can include all towns, villages, and school districts in Erie County who opt-in, with significant cost-savings and incentives for creating new solutions to some of the same problems. So often, we see lack of communication or duplication of services which add to governmental “red tape”. I believe the government, on all levels, should work together to increase efficiency and save costs for taxpayers. My office will conduct more proactive outreach and offer policy ideas. Erie County has an urban core, growing suburbs, and vast rural communities – there will be no one size fits all solution, but I believe the Comptroller’s office could be the place where many good ideas begin.
Analysis of Departmental Budgeting Countywide, including that of Independent Elected Officials
My office will not pledge to do any sort of “Defund the Police” analysis because, to put it plainly and clearly, I have no plans of ever defunding the police. But as Comptroller, I will certainly offer our services and provide analysis of budgets including those of the County Clerk, the District Attorney, and the Sheriff’s Office along with the County Executive, the Legislature, and even my own expenditures. Working with the Division of Budget and Management, I believe we can create a cohesive plan for continuation of important services and programs while also monitoring those offices that have annual overtime variances or repeat vacant positions. A budget is a moral document, but it’s also a strategic plan – we should be aiming to have the most accurate estimations possible, without a political or partisan lens. I will clock these reports into the Legislature so they become public documents and offer analysis as requested at Committee meetings.
Holding Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTB) Accountable
The gaming corporation which operates Batavia Downs racetrack, is owned by the 17 western-most counties in New York and the cities of Buffalo and Rochester. For several years, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the New York State Gaming Commission and the State Comptroller’s Office have been investigating or auditing WROTB over a range of issues. Due to these issues, and other concerns about pay and health care benefits for WROTB board members, in 2020, the Erie County Legislature replaced its existing 10-year appointee to the board of directors of WROTB. The corporation’s chief operating officer was fired in December 2020, allegedly for cooperating with federal and state investigators, and is suing WROTB. And recently, the State Comptroller issued two audits which were highly critical of WROTB management, its board and its practices.
I commit to ensuring transparency and accountability. We cannot afford “pay to play” scenarios or high priced, “Cadillac” health benefit plans at the expense of hard-working taxpayers. As Comptroller, I will advise the Legislature and offer my own reports regarding the management of the WROTB; the Legislature makes an appointment to the Board and as the body that provides oversight, they deserve well informed analysis which my office will provide.
Regionalism 2.0
(Coming Soon)