By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Erie County Comptroller James Hartman has accepted a post in the Giambra administration to oversee implementation of the county's four year fiscal recovery plan. He leaves office December 31st, after serving as interim comptroller following last June's resignation of Nancy Naples.
Hartman says the four year plan, which outlines dozens of cost-saving measures, is the most ambitious reform agenda of any county in New York.
"The promise of it is that if we can accomplish all these things, there will be no further tax increases in Erie County in the next three years," Hartman said. "We would close all of the gaps in the out years with these efficiences. Plus, we would generate enough money to restore a fund balance. It's a lot to do. But I think we will be able to accomplish most of it."
Hartman says he sees himself playing more of a behind-the-scenes role as director of management initiatives.