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The Usual Suspects
Everybody
likes to point to the control boards of Nassau County and
New York City as the successful models that Buffalo and Erie
County will follow, but given the extent of economic disinvestment
in this region, the precedent set by the City of Yonkers’
control board, which lasted 23 years, seems to be the path
that we’re more likely to follow. But to beat Yonkers’
record, we need a real crack team. So, without further ado,
here are five potential candidates for the Erie County Control
Board.
Erland
“Erkie” Kailbourne – First and
foremost, Erkie’s one hell of a nice guy. he was the
mastermind of the Business Backs the Bills Campaign that garnered
public support for the County’s contribution of sixty
million to subsidize the Bills’ new luxury boxes at
Ralph Wilson stadium. The former Fleet Bank boss also had
the distinction of chairing the audit committee of Adelphia
Communications, and we all know how tough that fiscal watchdog
entity turned out to be. Funny thing was that in the middle
of the Adelphia meltdown, Governor Pataki essentially immunized
Kailbourne by re-appointing him to the New York State Banking
Board, which oversees trillions of dollars in assets.
Kevin
Hardwick – This is the Kenmore Republican who
is ensconced as the unofficial Canisius College right wing
pseudo-intellectual. He was unable to dethrone Chuck Swanick,
but that doesn’t mean that the powers that be don’t
have things in store for this young man. Frequently quoted
in the Buffalo News for his expertise in all areas of political
endeavor; you might think he’s being groomed as the
next Kevin Gaughan. Unlike Gaughan, though, Hardwick isn’t
perceived as wacky and can be relied on to adhere to the party
line.
Kevin
Helfer - When Helfer fails in his mayoral bid, this
might make a good consolation prize, depending on whether
or not the new control board will have the balls to pay themselves
a six figure salary—we’re guessing yes. If not,
Helfer can continue on as the City’s parking ramp czar.
Chris
Jacobs – The political heir to the Delaware
North/ Jacobs family empire has already staked out his terrain
as chief privatizer of public education as Buffalo school
board member/charter school investor. Why not expand his horizons
to the suburban schools, where, let’s face it, there’s
a lot more money to be made?
Nancy
Naples – Remember when Nancy was busted for
funneling county bond underwriting to a politically connected
party? Well, that’s how public authorities operate in
New York State. So if all the buzz about Nancy moving up the
food chain into a powerful position with the Department of
Housing and Urban Development fizzles, she might have to pull
a Michael Jordan and come out of retirement for the good of
us all.
Tony
Gioia –
That’s Ambassador Gioia to all you lowly, scumbag Beast
readers. Tony Gioia is the man: The man who made Roswell Park
safe for Republican political patronage. The man who collapsed
Gioia Macaroni, after soaking up tons of government welfare.
The man who raised half a million dollars for President Bush
in less than an hour. Could he be the man who takes control
of County finances? Yes!
Luke Rich – Former Empire State Development
Corp. mastermind, Rich (who is not related to the Rich Products
dynasty) has been laying low since the Adelphia Tower project
was toppled, doing some consulting work on the side. But Pataki
could easiy revive this leading figure from his failed economic
development dream team of the nineties.
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