Investigative Post

More than $90,000 later, the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority decides to put its public relations work out to bid. Which raises the question: “Does the authority require such high-priced help?” Jim Heaney discusses with WGRZ’s Scott Levin.

The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, whose executive director said wasn’t paying for public relations consultants, has shelled out more than $90,000 for such services through a no-bid contract. Authority officials, meanwhile, continue to stonewall Investigative Post in its efforts to obtain related documents under the Freedom of Information Law.

A female engineer assigned to manage work on the U.S. side of the bridge told Investigative Post of a sexual harassment charge she lodged in December against a Canadian board member after he introduced her as the “governor’s concubine.” Canadian officials, meanwhile, continue to dispute claims they aren’t cooperating with their American counterparts.

Craig Rogers, associate professor of economics at Canisius College, tells Jim Heaney that policy makers often work off faulty assumptions. Watch WGRZ’s Daybreak on Saturday for more.

Produced by Talking Points Memo.

Peace Bridge General Manager Ron Rienas has become a lightning rod over deeper divisions within the board that manages the Peace Bridge. American board members contend the Canadians are not cooperating with efforts to improve the bridge on the Buffalo side; the Canadians label the charge “absurd.” Jim Heaney reports for WGRZ.

Jeremy Zellner, chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party, tells Jim Heaney of Investigative Post that Gov. Andrew Cuomo still isn’t talking to party HQ after failing to elect his preferred candidate to lead local Democrats. More of the interview will air Saturday about 6:40 a.m. on WGRZ Daybreak.

Mary Ruth Kapsiak responds to questions from Dan Telvock of Investigative Post about the district’s failure to comply with state regulations regarding health and physical education.