Erie County’s top two elected officials are fighting again, this time during a conference in Las Vegas attended by five county officials.
Five administrative officials from County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz filed travel requests while attending the National Homeland Security Conference from August 30 to September 2 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Casino Resort.
County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw criticizes the planned trip as a tax-financed “junket” that will cost the county more than 7,000 US dollars. He also accuses Poloncarz of hypocrisy because his agents filed the travel requests in February when district officials told western New Yorkers to stay home to stop the spread of Covid-19.
“Is this the best way to spend taxpayers’ money?” Mychajliw, a Republican, said in a press release and a YouTube video. “If this junket is supposed to be about questions of internal security, why do family members and guests of political representatives leave? We need answers before that junk bill is paid. “
In a written statement, Democrat Poloncarz pointed out that Buffalo hosted the conference four years ago and that sending its candidates to Vegas increases the likelihood that the region will host it again.
“While the Comptroller always seeks to attack the people who are trying to protect our community, its ignorance of the conference, its recent multi-million dollar positive impact on Erie County and its goals is disappointing and shows that it has not adopted them The time to learn more, “said Poloncarz in his statement.” The intent to deliberately misrepresent the conference, misrepresent the facts and smear the public service first responders attending shows once again that he is making political points about safeguarding the security of the county he allegedly represents. Erie County deserves a lot better. “
The conference website states that the event will “provide attendees with exceptional educational and briefing sessions on best practices and emerging trends in homeland security and emergency management.” Poloncarz said past conferences included training on mass shootings and this year included segments on best practices during the Covid-19 response.
Proposed conference attendees include Jennifer Hibit, Poloncarz’s chief of staff; Vallie M. Ferraraccio, Purchasing Manager; William Geary, public works officer; Daniel J. Neaverth Jr., emergency services commissioner; and Melissa Calhoun, public safety officer and emergency medical service special assistant.
Mychajliw posted an email online from a district official stating that two employees were “bringing guests to an event during this conference.” The email stated that guests paid by check.
Mychajliw said he “won’t pay the bill for the Vegas junket until the Poloncarz administration addresses numerous concerns about Erie County’s legislation.”
