By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Erie County Executive Joel Giambra is weighing in on the status of the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority after the two top leaders resigned late last week.
Giambra says that he has no power over the make up of the county control board. Governor Pataki must name replacements for the two leadership roles. Giambra would not even offer suggestions as to who he would like to see as the next chair of the board.
"With all that has happened in the last couple of months, I don't know if there is a person willing to take on that responsibility right now," Giambra said.
Giambra says leading the county control board is a "large" responsibility and complicated situation.
" I think it is going to be difficult, under the certain set of circumstances, to find somebody out there who is willing to give up their time in this process," Giambra said. "I hope that we find the right person, because it could be very valuable."
Giambra says so far, he believes the board has been helpful. He says it worked to uncover the extent of the county's 2005 fiscal disaster. But Giambra says beyond its advisory role, it does not have any real authority.
"It is not sure what it is. Whether it is hard or soft, or how much control they do or don't have."
Giambra says it is not up to him to decide if the board needs to change its status. That would be up to the state.
Meanwhile, the Governor's press office tells WBFO News Pataki will work expeditiously to name new leadership. But there is no formal timeline to replace the top leaders.