“It’s clear that Mark Poloncarz wants to continue business as usual in county government by preferring to put unqualified political friends in high paying taxpayer-funded jobs. For all of Executive Poloncarz’s comments about the conditions of our county parks, hiring someone with such limited experience for the number two position in the department at a salary of over $68,000 shows a complete disconnect from what the public expects. Unfortunately, this has been a trend for the Poloncarz administration: instead of finding capable individuals, the County Executive looks no further than his inner circle in order to offer patronage jobs.” – Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo.

Today, the Buffalo News reported the hiring of Greg Olma, only one of a number of positions where Mark Poloncarz has hired political friends to important county positions. Buffalo News - Olma returns to county government as deputy parks chief

August 2012, The County Executive’s brother, a former chef, is hired by the Erie County Water Authority for a $55k positions as the authority’s personnel director. Buffalo News- Poloncarz's Brother Lands Post at Water Authority

September 2012, The County Executive asked for the creation of a Medicaid Inspector. Rather than look to the public to fill the position, the County Executive filled the $91k position with his former Deputy Comptroller Michael Szukala. Buffalo News- Poloncarz Taps Szukala to Head Medicaid Anti-Fraud Unit

December 2013, the County Executive hired insider Brian Bray to fill the number two position in the Department of Social Services after the Department had seen dysfunction and failures, many of which still continue. Mr. Brays past patronage positions included working for the Buffalo Common Council, Public Affairs Officer for the Erie County Water Authority, and Deputy Clerk of the Erie County Legislature. Buffalo News- Poloncarz Taps Insider for New Administrative Post

January 2014, when the County Executive’s brother was relieved of his job at the Water Authority, he landed a job at the Erie County Board of Elections at a salary of $42k to be a computer operator. WGRZ- Poloncarz's Brother Gets Job at Board of Elections