During Thursday’s session, Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo and Democratic Legislator Tom Loughran introduced a second resolution to fire Erie County Water Authority Commissioner Jerome Schad. This effort followed their previous attempt to remove Commissioner Schad in late July, which failed in a 5-6 vote. The legislators have committed to introducing a binding resolution during every legislative session to remove Schad from his position as Commissioner. The Chairman of the Legislature sent the resolution to the Energy and Environment Committee and did not allow the item to be voted on.  Legislator Lorigo’s motion to challenge the Chairman also failed, but had the support of Legislators Dixon, Rath, Mills and Loughran, falling one vote short of a majority.  

“As I previously stated, I will not sit idly by as some of my colleagues attempt to protect the status quo by keeping Mr. Schad at the authority,” said Legislator Lorigo. “The Chairman’s refusal to allow the resolution to come up for a vote is clearly motivated by the majority’s interest in protecting a party-boss. If we are serious about reform and working in the best interest of the ratepayer, removing Mr. Schad is the necessary next step and I will continue my efforts to make that happen.”

In June, the New York State Authorities Budget Office (ABO) released a report highly-criticizing the water authority’s issues with transparency and accountability. One of the state’s recommendations was to replace all commissioners present from the time the report was conducted, including Jerome Schad.

“The ABO report’s strong recommendation to remove Commissioner Schad has not changed and I stand behind their report,” said Legislator Loughran.   

The resolution can be viewed here.