A resolution calling on Legislature Chairman Savage to remove Erie County Water Authority Commissioner Jerome Schad passed by a vote of 6-5 Thursday. Schad is the only remaining commissioner after the Authorities Budget Office (ABO), an independent state authority, recommended the removal of all three sitting commissioners who were present during the time their report was conducted. The ABO report blasted the authority for lack of transparency, improperly handled FOIL requests and violations of New York State public authorities law.

Following the report and removal of the other two commissioners, Legislators Lorigo and Loughran introduced and passed a resolution calling on Commissioner Schad to willingly step down. Since then, several resolutions requesting the Legislature remove Schad have failed after the Chairman sent them to committee. Despite differing opinions from the Authorities Budget Office, minority counsel and county attorney, the chairman has repeatedly argued in favor of the county attorney’s opinion that the chair himself is the only one with the authority to remove Commissioner Schad.

 “As promised, I am continuing my push to have Commissioner Schad removed until he is no longer a representative of the water authority,” said Minority Leader Lorigo.  “The majority of my colleagues and I are sending a message to Chairman Savage that he has a responsibility to represent the Legislature and act in the best interest of the ratepayers, who have been failed by Mr. Schad’s actions as commissioner.”

“The situation at the water authority has not changed and the ABO report has not changed which is why we are continuing to call for Mr. Schad’s removal,” said Legislator Tom Loughran.

“The ABO gave us a roadmap to follow after their report was conducted, and one of their recommendations was to remove Mr. Schad from the authority,” said Legislator Ed Rath. “It is important we adhere to their recommendations and I urge the Chairman of the Legislature to act on this request for his removal from the water authority.”

“After years of dysfunction at the water authority, it’s time for reform,” said Legislator John Mills. “Chairman Savage needs to do what’s best for the ratepayers and comply with the ABO’s recommendation to remove Commissioner Schad.”

A copy of the resolution can be found here.