Categories for Co-produced with WGRZ

Mar 19

2013

Q&A: Stadium entrepreneur George Hasiotis

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George Hasiotis is one of Western New York’s most interesting – and plain spoken – economic thinkers. He’s been in the news of late spearheading a proposal to build a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex on the Outer Harbor that would house the Buffalo Bills. But his economic development credentials go well beyond the stadium proposal. He’s an expert on cross-border trade issues and co-founder of the Economic Club of Canada. He’s worked as a public affairs consultant for 20 years advising clients on international business matters. Locally, he’s an owner of Antoinette’s On The Hill Inc., whose holdings include the popular Antoinette’s Sweets[...]

Posted 12 years ago

Feb 28

2013

“I don’t need to tell you …”

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Ron Rienas, general manager of the Public Bridge Authority, tells Jim Heaney of Investigative Post why he won’t talk about his salary or perks or release other payroll records or a detailed budget that spells out what the authority does with the $33 million it takes in annually.

Posted 12 years ago

Feb 27

2013

Stonewalling at the Peace Bridge

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Editor’s note: The story below provides the full details, but to get the full effect, readers should view the television version posted above and, especially, the video of the complete unedited interview with Peace Bridge General Manager Ron Rienas posted below. New York’s labyrinth of authorities are widely decried as shadow governments that shield their activities from public scrutiny. But they are a model of transparency compared to the Public Bridge Authority that operates the Peace Bridge connecting Buffalo and Fort Erie, Investigative Post has found. Authorities and other governmental bodies on both sides of the border are obligated to[...]

Posted 12 years ago

Feb 26

2013

Progress and broken promises

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Buffalo’s modest recycling rate is up, but Mayor Byron Brown has not followed up on his pledge to hire a coordinator and contract with a firm to promote recycling education.

Posted 12 years ago

Feb 26

2013

Recycling excuses

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Editor’s note: Investigative Post reported last November on Buffalo’s anemic recycling program. The story prompted a pledge by Mayor Byron Brown to take steps to bolster the recycling rate. Investigative Post follows up to see what the city has done. Coming soon: An update on recycling efforts in Buffalo public schools. Mayor Byron Brown’s administration has yet to meet its goal of doubling Buffalo’s curbside recycling rate in the year since green totes were distributed to residents. The city’s curbside recycling rate – based on what residents place in green totes – rose from 8 percent to 12.2 percent in[...]

Posted 12 years ago

Feb 17

2013

Q&A: Nanotech guru Alain Kaloyeros

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Alain Kaloyeros works in Albany but is emerging as a key player in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s effort to revitalize the Western New York economy.  Kaloyeros is the senior vice president and CEO of the College of Nanoscience and Engineering at the University of Albany. Since 1988 he has lead the effort to develop a nanotechnology sector in the capital region, and by extension, the state, which has resulted in the creation of some 18,000 jobs. “He has spent the past two decades building the nano facility as the most advanced research complex of its kind at any university in the world,”[...]

Posted 12 years ago

Feb 10

2013

Q&A: Buffalo Comptroller Mark Schroeder

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Mark Schroeder serves as Buffalo’s fiscal watchdog in his job as city comptroller. He made news recently by raising concerns about City Hall’s budgeting practices, which have involved the use of reserve funds the past three years to balance the books. Schroeder, 57, spent 25 years in the private sector, working for two food companies before moving into electoral politics in 2001 as part of a political organization lead by Brian Higgins. Schroeder served three years in the Erie County Legislature before winning election in November 2003 to the New York Assembly. He represented Orchard Park, West Seneca and portions of[...]

Posted 12 years ago

Feb 8

2013

Concerns over City Hall spending

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Investigative Post and WGRZ team up to report on Buffalo Comptroller Mark Schroeder’s concern, and Mayor Byron Brown’s response, over the continuing use of reserve funds to balance the city budget.

Posted 12 years ago
Investigative Post