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Mar 13

2016

Outrages: A start in dealing with lead

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Steve Brown and I discuss the first bit of movement to address Buffalo’s lead problem on this week’s video edition of Outrages & Insights. I said that Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is showing some leadership in making his proposal to hire more inspectors and lower the threshold that riggers medical intervention in children who test positive for lead in their blood. But I also note that Poloncarz’s proposal is only a start and that the problem demands a much greater commitment of resources beyond just the county. Where is City Hall in all this? So far, nowhere to be[...]

Posted 9 years ago

Mar 11

2016

Investigative Post seeking volunteers

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Want to help Investigative Post? We’re seeking volunteers to assist our outreach and fundraising efforts. We are looking for individuals to update our database of donors and continue to build our mailing list of potential supporters. The work will involve research, including online search, and data entry. Part-time, flexible hours. If interested, please email Quinn DelZoppo.  

Posted 9 years ago

Mar 10

2016

Heaney discusses Buffalo ills on ‘Pressroom

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Investigative Post Editor Jim Heaney, revisiting his “Real State of the City” presentation made last month, tells Susan Arbetter of The Capitol Pressroom that Buffalo continues to experience its share of problems. He noted that Buffalo has become a financial ward of the state and that income inequality between whites and people of color is especially pronounced in the region. Heaney’s portion of the interview runs from 22:13 to 36:45.

Posted 9 years ago

Mar 10

2016

State behind curve on lead poisoning

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New York State is failing to keep up with at least two federal initiatives aimed at combating lead poisoning in children, a particular problem in Buffalo. The state has failed to adopt federal standards that would improve lead abatement practices, resulting in a near absence of enforcement actions to discourage shoddy workmanship. New York officials have also failed to adopt a more stringent federal standard for what constitutes a concerning level of lead in blood tests that would trigger medical intervention. While New York as a whole lags in dealing with its lead problem, the effort in Buffalo is especially[...]

Posted 9 years ago

Mar 10

2016

Quick Hit: State’s questionable “fact sheet”

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Dan Telvock, writing in The Public, comments on the “fact sheet” issued by state environmental officials on a toxic landfill in Wheatfield. The fact sheet downplays the potential of harm for nearby residents, much like bureaucrats did decades ago regarding Love Canal.

Posted 9 years ago

Mar 9

2016

Poloncarz leads on lead while Brown dithers

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There’s been chatter about the need for someone to step up and champion the cause of reducing lead hazards in the city. I wouldn’t say Erie County Mark Poloncarz seized the leadership mantle Wednesday, but he became the first local official to advance a meaningful proposal for addressing the issue. So, considering the political landscape, he has become a giant among midgets. Poloncarz announced an initiative that has several important components: The county Health Department would hire six additional inspectors to complement the 12½ already on staff to conduct housing inspections for lead and other health violations. A nurse and[...]

Posted 9 years ago

Mar 9

2016

Urban League still complaining about audit

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The   The Buffalo Urban League, recently the subject of a critical report from the Erie County Comptroller, is threatening legal action unless the report and negative public statements are withdrawn, Channel 2’s Dave McKinley reports. The story includes comments from Charlotte Keith of Investigative Post. The audit confirmed previous reporting by Investigative Post that found the Urban League submitted falsified bills, failed to properly train employees or secure confidential records, and retaliated against whistleblowers. Sources have told Investigative Post that the audit findings are being reviewed by Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael Flaherty to determine if there are possible[...]

Posted 9 years ago
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