By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The chairman of the Erie County Fiscal Stability Board has called it quits. Edward Regan ended weeks of speculation Wednesday when he sent a letter to Governor George Pataki announcing his resignation.
Regan told Pataki he has decided to step down due to his health and other issues. Control Board member Shelia Kee tells WBFO News, Regan recently suffered appendicitis and is busy in his academic role in New York City. But Regan also stated that he believes as long as the board remains a soft, and not a hard control board, only local leadership is needed to guide county finances. Kee said she agrees.
"I tend to agree with him. I feel that the role of chair of the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority you must have very good accessibility. You have to at a moment's notice be able to call your members together and meet with community leaders and the business community. So having someone reside from Erie County is a very good idea," said Kee.
There have been som recent concerns that Regan, and vice chair David Campbell were shutting out other board members in decision making. Kee is hoping for a fresh start when they hold their regular meeting Thursday afternoon.
Kee said there have been some issues with the authority. "But I think we are fledging group and I think we are working out those matters."
Regan will not be attending Thrusday's Control Board session. Kee says she wants Governor Pataki to quickly select a new board chair.
"This is a very important organization and has a tremendous amount of work to conduct," noted Kee.
Governor Pataki released a statement thanking Regan for his dedication and service to the people of Erie County. Pataki must now appoint a new board leader. Regan is a former Erie County Executive and served as state comptroller.