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:

So said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff tonight at HSBC Arena, as the Philadelphia Flyers came to town. The hype meter was off the wall, as former Sabres Martin Biron and Daniel Briere were making their first return to Buffalo since their departures last season.
Both received warm applause during the warmups and intros, but the adulation quickly turned to boos once the game started, especially when Briere touched the puck during play.

For the pregame, the game night staff pitched the “Say Hey Say Yeah” flick, and instead showed a pretty good video montage titled “The Rivalry Continues”, rolling out highlight reel moments between these two teams. While the memorable playoff goals and OT triumphs were fun to watch, goalies Garth Snow and Steve Shields going at it in the ’97 playoffs is the signature memory seared in my mind. Good stuff!

The game took on a physical tone early on, with both teams throwing punishing hits and checks, and while Philadelphia seemed to have the early edge in that department, Buffalo then took control of the play. At 11:41, Marty Biron made an incredible save on a rebound shot by Paul Gaustad, stopping the puck literally in midair on the goal line. Even Drew Stafford’s goal at 17:51 required a video review, as the puck crossed the goal line before Derek Roy tapped it with his stick while in the net. At the end of the first Buffalo led 1-0.

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

Winter sucks up here in Buffalo, and Toronto gets even chillier. While we bundle up in layers or furry coats, the homeless are left to huddle in alleyways with absolutely nothing. Whatever they have, they stuff with newspaper to keep as warm as they can. You can only stuff so many tabloids into a ratty sweater, though.

Enter 15 Below, an innovative marketing ploy charity operation created by Toronto ad firm Taxi. They’ve developed a lightweight jacket that is waterproof, windproof, and has multiple bubble pockets all over that can be stuffed with newspaper to provide an effective shield against the cold. 3000 of these jackets will be distributed around Toronto. I wonder if Buffalo can get a few for Sly and the other unfortunates that will end up sleeping in my apartment foyer this winter.

So how well does this work? Continue reading to catch a video and specs on the coat.