By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Governor Pataki Tuesday appointed Buffalo attorney Anthony Colucci Jr. to the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority.
The Governor says Colucci has the "credentials and experience to help navigate a strong fiscal course" for the city. Colucci fills the seat vacated by John Faso, who resigned from the control board last Spring to run for governor.
Colucci is a founding partner in the law firm of Block and Colucci.
City employee unions have been extremely critical of control board members for imposing a wage freeze. They've organized a high-profile campaign to picket outside the homes and businesses of board members. Colucci describes himself as the son of union journeyman printer and realizes the sanctity of the collective bargaining process. But in this case, Colucci says board members are being unfairly targeted.
Colucci says he believes the control board has the authority to hold the line on wages until the city is able to live within its means.
He'll be attending his first meeting as a board member on September 28th, ironically the same day the city's police union will be in court as it seeks permission to strike over the wage freeze.