By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Erie County Executive-elect Chris Collins announced several key appointments Friday.
The biggest was his choice for deputy county executive -- Mark Davis, who has served as executive vice president for the Talking Phone Book. Like Collins, Davis says he will accept a salary of just $1 per month as long as the county remains under the control of the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority.
Collins is tapping into the University at Buffalo for the person who will head up his Six Sigma business plan. Al Hammonds is currently with UB's Center for Industrial Effectiveness. He'll be paid through one of the efficiency grants the state has made available to the county.
One of Collins' private sector employees will become the new county budget director. Beth Kornbrekke is currently a financial officer for Volland Electric in Cheektowaga.
James Hornung, a parks department employee with Republican party connections, was named parks commissioner.
And Dr. Anthony Billitier is being asked to stay on as county health commissioner.
Collins says he's pleased with this first round of appointments.
"These five professionals reflect the best and brightest that I pledged to hire," Collins said. "Erie County taxpayers should take great comfort in knowing that these five individuals have a tremendous amount of skill, energy and talent.
"This first round of appointments reflects my approach to hiring. I'm committed to bringing people with private sector experience into government."
Collins will take the oath of office on Sunday, December 30th at UB's Center for the Arts.