By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Erie County Executive Joel Giambra says his administration has not violated any county policies in its purchase of office furniture. And he's willing to let a special committee of the County Legislature investigate the matter.
An audit by County Comptroller Nancy Naples found the county was overcharged by $500,000 in its purchase of Buffalo Office Interiors. Naples is recommending the county takes steps to recoup the overcharge.
The company is run by one of Giambra's financial supporters, James Spano. Giambra has written Legislature Chairman George Holt, asking for the creation of a special committee to investigate the matter. Giambra says there is no basis for pursuing a recovery of the $500,000.
"No laws were broken. No rules were broken," Giambra said. "There was no attempt to defraud taxpayers. Everything was done above board. The policies and practices that were used here have been used since before I became county executive."
Giambra says Spano and his company have been injured by Naples' allegations. Spano himself released a statement late Wednesday, saying he welcomes Giambra's call for a special committee. He said accusations that his company overcharged the county are baseless and politically motivated.