CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. - In a press conference at Erie County Hall on Friday, July 22, 2005, Erie County Comptroller candidate Mark Poloncarz called for the immediate public release by Deloitte & Touche, Erie County's independent auditors, of the final year-end audit of the 2004 budget to determine the true financial state of Erie County.

Poloncarz said, "in order for our elected officials to address the current 2005 budget deficit, they must know the actual budget deficit for 2004. Without knowing exactly how much is owed to balance the 2004 county budget it is unrealistic to think we can plan ahead and resolve the budget deficit for 2005."

"It is quite apparent that we cannot trust the county executive's flawed budget calculations, created through 'Giambra Mathematics,' so to speak. So, before the county executive uses another one-shot transaction to supposedly balance the 2005 budget, we need to know the actual figures for 2004."

"I am calling upon the county's independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche, to complete and release the overdue 2004 year-end audit of Erie County's finances as soon as possible so we can close out the 2004 budget year and then accurately address the 2005 budget deficit."

As a truly independent comptroller with no ties to the Giambra Administration, Poloncarz will ask the tough questions that need to be addressed. As part of his 10-point Action Agenda, he pledges to perform regular audits so the county will never again be in the situation of not knowing how much money it has.

Mark Poloncarz is a business and finance attorney in the private sector with a vision of new leadership for Erie County. He is endorsed by the Democratic, Independence, Working Families and Save Jobs Parties. For a current list of endorsements or more information about his campaign, please visit www.markpoloncarz.com.