By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – There will be a changing of the guard at the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority. A new chairman has been named. Governor Pataki announced Tuesday that he is naming Brian Lipke to replace Thomas Baker as control board chair.
Lipke is CEO of Gibralter Industries and serves as vice chairman of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.
"Brian Lipke is widely respected throughout the Buffalo community and is the ideal choice to continue the great leadership Tom Baker has provided for the Authority," Governor Pataki said in a statement. "Brian brings impeccable fiscal credentials and a strong business sense to this position. I am confident he will do an excellent job carrying out the Authority's mission to restore the City of Buffalo back to fiscal health."
As control board chair, Baker has taken harsh criticism from city unions for implementing a city wage freeze. And during many control board session, he voiced frustration in dealing with the old ways of city and school spending.
Baker is president of the Oishei Foundation.
"As we welcome Brian, I want to thank Tom Baker for his service as Chairman," Pataki said. "The people of Buffalo and all New Yorkers can be proud of his service. Tom's leadership has been instrumental to the Authority's success, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for the commitment he has made on behalf of the community and the time and sacrifice he has made to public service."