Minority Leader Joe Lorigo and Legislator Tom Loughran call on ECWA Commissioner Jerome Schad to resign

During a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Erie County Legislature Minority Leader Joe Lorigo and Legislator Tom Loughran announced a resolution calling on Erie County Water Authority Commissioner Jerome Schad to resign following last week’s scathing report released by the New York State Authorities Budget Office. They plan to move the resolution forward for a vote at Thursday’s session.

During the time period of the ABO’s review, it was revealed that the water authority failed to provide proper notice of public meetings, improperly handled FOIL requests and violated New York State Public Authorities Law. Jerome Schad is the only remaining commissioner from the time the review was conducted. The Authorities Budget Office review censured Mr. Schad and stated he should be removed as commissioner.

Last week, Schad told the Buffalo News he would resign at the request of the Legislature.

“The water authority and its commissioners have failed the residents of Erie County,” Minority Leader Lorigo said. “The report’s findings are deeply disturbing and we need to address the issues raised in the report and change the culture of the authority. For these reasons, the majority of my colleagues and I believe Mr. Schad has a responsibility to resign from his position immediately so we can move forward.”

“The dysfunctional leadership and lack of transparency at the water authority is a disservice to the taxpayers of Erie County,” said Legislator Loughran. “In order to restore public trust in government, it’s time to clean house and Jerome Schad must resign.”

The resolution is also co-sponsored by Legislators Rath, Hardwick, Mills and Dixon.