During Thursday’s session, a resolution calling on Erie County Water Authority Commissioner Jerome Schad passed by a vote of 6-5. The resolution can be viewed here.

The resolution was introduced by Legislator Tom Loughran and Minority Leader Joe Lorigo after the Authorities Budget Office released a review of the water authority last week, officially censuring him, and recommending for Schad to be removed by the Erie County Legislature.

“I am pleased the majority of my colleagues agree that Mr. Schad must go, despite a desperate attempt by members of the Majority Caucus to protect him by preventing a vote,” said Minority Leader Lorigo. “The ABO’s independent findings shed light on a lack of transparency that has continued at the water authority for too long. Mr. Schad, who served as commissioner during the time the report was conducted, has a responsibility to step down from his position so we can move forward to seek honest, qualified candidates and work toward reforming the water authority.”

“The ABO, a non-partisan, state authority, has provided us with a set of recommendations and we must take them seriously,” said Legislator Ed Rath. “Based on their guidance, my colleagues and I believe Mr. Schad should resign.”

“It’s time to put an end to the dysfunction at the Erie County Water Authority,” said Legislator John Mills. “The authority, along with all its commissioners, have failed the taxpayers of Erie County. We are calling on Mr. Schad to take this request seriously and resign from his position.”

“The ABO report indicates the water authority is a broken system,” said Legislator Dixon. “This is not an indictment on one individual in particular; it is an action to begin making the recommended changes and work toward reforming the water authority.”

If Schad refuses to resign, another resolution has been clocked in to remove him. According to a legal opinion from the Authorities Budget Office, which is attached, the Legislature has the power to do so. Mr. Schad has been given the proper 10-day notice and will have the opportunity to speak at next week’s committee meetings. If that opportunity is granted by the Committee Chairman, following that due process, the Legislature can remove Mr. Schad as Commissioner if they choose.