Outgoing Erie County executive Joel Giambra announced today that he is leaving Erie County in the black.

His administrations 2007 Forecast results:

• Certain operating surplus of $12.2 million
• Potential surplus of $15 to $20 Millio: Depending on December sales tax results

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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:

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.