Jim Heaney

Jim Heaney is editor and executive director of Investigative Post. He was an investigative reporter with The Buffalo News from 1986 to 2011 and a reporter and editor with The Orlando Sentinel from 1980-86. His coverage over the years has focused on economic development, local and state government, politics, education, housing and transportation, and he was an early practitioner of computer-assisted reporting. Heaney has won more than 20 journalism awards and was a finalist for the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting.

Sep 26

2019

Heaney talks Buffalo finances on “Pressroom”

Jim Heaney and Susan Arbetter discuss City Hall’s ongoing fiscal problems which, among other things, has resulted in the failure to buy police squad cars so the department has an adequate fleet of vehicles. Capitol Pressroom announced Thursday that Susan is leaving the program the end of Octobers. I’ve appeared on the program regularly since January 2016 – 48 times, to be precise – and have thoroughly enjoyed working with Susan. She’s knowledgable and always prepared – a real pro. I hope we have an opportunity to collaborate again in the future.

Posted 5 years ago

Sep 11

2019

Federal grand jury to investigate OTB

A federal grand jury is investigating possible corruption at the Western Regional Off Track Betting Corp. Sources told Investigative Post and the Niagara Gazette the grand jury is looking into issues previously reported by the two news organizations, including the: Provision of free health insurance to the board’s part-time board members. Awarding of vendor contracts to businesses with political ties to OTB President Henry Wojtaszek and Chairman Richard Bianchi. Possible distribution of tickets purchased by OTB to Sabres and Bills games to friends, family members and political associates of OTB executives and board members. In addition, the state comptroller has[...]

Posted 6 years ago

Jul 15

2019

Brown denies Buffalo’s fiscal woes

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown refused to talk with Investigative Post about the city’s fiscal plight for a story published last week, but he couldn’t dodge WGRZ’s Dave McKinley. The mayor’s response, included in a story that aired Monday, was a mix of arguing semantics and making misleading statements about city reserves. And, as if to underscore her lack of independence from the mayor, City Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams issued a press release intended to assure the public that all is well with city finances. This wasn’t the first time she attempted to cover for Brown during her brief tenure in office.[...]

Posted 6 years ago

Jul 10

2019

Heaney talks fiscal problems on ‘Pressroom

Geoff Kelly reported Tuesday that Buffalo has fiscal problems. Jim Heaney on Wednesday discussed the story with Susan Arbetter on The Capitol Pressroom.

Posted 6 years ago

Jun 6

2019

State accredits Buffalo police

The Buffalo Police Department has finally been accredited by outside evaluators. The City Charter requires such accreditation, but the department had long ignored the mandate. That changed when Investigative Post reported the requirement in January 2017. Since then, police officials have been working with a division of the state Department of Criminal Justice to review practices and policies. A state panel approved the accreditation at a meeting Thursday morning. Most police departments seek the accreditation, which is good for five years. The objective is to improve the professionalism and efficiency of departments.

Posted 6 years ago

May 31

2019

Ciminelli appeals corruption conviction

Lawyers for Louis Ciminelli have appealed his felony conviction last summer on corruption charges related to the Buffalo Billion. Ciminelli, president of LPCiminelli, and Alain Kaloyeros, head of a state-affiliated development corporation, were convicted for their roles in the awarding of the contract to develop the $750 million facility to house Tesla’s solar panel manufacturing plant. Jim Heaney told WGRZ that Ciminelli’s attorney is using the same failed legal arguments in the appeal that he did during the trial.

Posted 6 years ago

May 29

2019

Investigative Post is hiring reporters

Investigative Post, a nonprofit investigative reporting center in Buffalo, N.Y., is looking for two experienced reporters to join our award-winning team. We’re looking for reporters with at least five years of experience and a track record of producing compelling, high-impact stories. Good writing skills are a must; data skills a plus. We produce stories for online, television, radio and print; applicants with a newspaper background will get plenty of help learning broadcasting skills. And if you’re a television investigative reporter, by all means apply. Salary commensurate with experience and skills; compensation includes health insurance and retirement plan. Send cover letter,[...]

Posted 6 years ago

May 16

2019

Lawyers tell OTB to ditch the perks

A prominent law firm has told the board of the Western Regional Off Track Betting Corp. that its members should not be helping themselves to free health, dental and vision insurance. “We recommend that Western region directors no longer accept health insurance benefits,” lawyers for the firm of Barclay Damon wrote in a March 26 opinion obtained by Investigative Post and the Niagara Gazette. The opinion cited caps on board compensation established in state law and previous rulings made by the state Comptroller and Attorney General. Attorneys for Barclay Damon also cautioned that board members may face financial penalties if the[...]

Posted 6 years ago