By Mark Scott and Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – A day after County Comptroller Nancy Naples announced her resignation, effective June 30th, speculation continued on who would be appointed her interim successor.
A new comptroller will be elected this November. But it's up to the County Legislature to select someone who will fill out the remaining six months of Naples' term. The only stipulation is that the Legislature's choice must share the same party affiliation as Naples -- Republican.
Majority Leader Lynn Marinelli offered no indication yesterday of what the Legislature will do.
"We will have to keep in conversations with both sides of the aisle to take the next step in the process," Marinelli said. "It's my understanding that Naples has asked her deputy serve in the interim. We know her deputy. He does a lot of the bond work. So, I comfortable with that for right now."
WBFO News has learned from two separate sources that the name of James Hartman of Orchard Park has surfaced for the interim appointment. He serves as a budget adviser to the County Legislature.
Hartman authored a controversial opinion piece in the Buffalo News last March in which he made the case for both a property and sales tax increase to lift the county out of its budget mess.
WBFO News reached Hartman in New York City. He declined to comment.