WNYmedia.net’s Alan Bedenko and Chris Smith recently sat down with County Executive elect Chris Collins to conduct a wide-ranging interview.

The more than 40 minute discussion covered a host of topics including his relationship with the legislature and control board, budget monitoring, the waterfront, six sigma, and union negotiations.

Over the weekend and into next week, we’ll be sharing the entire interview with you in segments.   Tell us what you think, Collins is reading and listening to your feedback

Here are the First two segments:

County Executive Joel Giambra and the Erie County Legislature have agreed to forgive the 2006 and 2007 County taxes on property located at 300 Manhattan Street. The property is being conveyed to the City of Buffalo as a result of a Federal Bankruptcy and will be used for the expansion of the area around Bennett High School, All-High Stadium, a City grammar school and McCarthy Park.

City officials plan on demolishing the former Nursing home with a grant from the New York State Dormitory Authority.

Click here to listen to Press Conference

Erie County Executive-Elect Chris Collins has announced five key appointments to his administration:

• Deputy County Executive – Mark Davis
• Director of Six Sigma – Alfred Hammonds, Jr
• Director of Budget & Management – Beth Kornbrekke
• Commissioner of Parks & Recreation – James Hornung, Sr.
• Commissioner of Health – Dr. Anthony Billittier

“I promised Erie County taxpayers I would hire only the best and brightest for jobs within my administration,” said Collins. “The appointments I am making today honor that promise and my goal to bring true professionalism and high quality to Erie County government. In filling these key roles, I have appointed five professionals with an incredible amount of skill, energy and talent to work on behalf of Erie County taxpayers.”

“This first round of appointments reflects my approach to hiring,” said Collins. “I am committed to bringing people with private sector experience into government. My administration will also continue to look to promote strong candidates from within, and retain commissioners and department heads with a strong record of success and accomplishment.”

CLICK THROUGH FOR BIOS OF EACH APPOINTEE AND VIDEO OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE

WNYmedia.net’s Alan Bedenko and Chris Smith recently sat down with County Executive elect Chris Collins to conduct a wide-ranging interview.

The more than 40 minute discussion covered a host of topics including his relationship with the legislature and control board, budget monitoring, the waterfront, six sigma, and union negotiations.

Over the weekend and into next week, we’ll be sharing the entire interview with you in segments.   Tell us what you think, Collins is reading and listening to your feedback.

The Anti-Flipping Task Force (AFTF) released their second year report today:

“In its second year, the AFTF has experienced significant successes, including participation in the first major area civil prosecution involving a fraudulent flipping scheme, changing the way property is purchased at the City auction. The Mayor’s Anti-Flipping Task Force worked hard this year to educate and inform the public ensure that fraudulent flippers stayed away from the In-Rem auction, ,” said Mayor Brown. “We have seen the devastation of flipping, especially in Buffalo’s poorer neighborhoods. Through the collaboration of the groups that make up the Mayor’s Anti-Flipping Task Force, I am confident that we are on the right track to not only prevent fraudulent flippers from coming into the City, but to eliminate the practice completely.”

Click through to see more including audio clips of the full press conference and the full 2 year report