CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. - Once again Erie County Executive Joel Giambra and Erie County Comptroller candidate Robert Whelan have revealed their true colors - as friends willing to assist each other regardless of the impact on Erie County. In a letter filed with the Erie County Legislature on Monday, June 20, 2005, Giambra appointed Hormoz Mansouri to the Erie Community College Board of Trustees. This is Giambra's second appointment of Mansouri to a board of trustees in Erie County.

The Buffalo News on April 15, 2005 described Mansouri as a "Money Guy" associated with Robert Whelan, Steve Pigeon and Joel Giambra. "Mansouri and Pigeon are the ultimate political insiders," said Mark Poloncarz's campaign manager, Rich Horner. "How can Whelan deny his association with them when they are funding his comptroller campaign? Giambra's fingerprints are all over this."

"Though Whelan has attempted numerous times to distance himself from his close friend Joel Giambra, this latest example of Giambra's "Friends and Family Plan" in action shows once again their close political connection," said Horner. "This is just the latest attempt by the "Gang of Four" to unduly influence the politics of Erie County. We need a comptroller who will serve as a check against Giambra and his administration, not one who is part of his close circle of friends."

Mark Poloncarz will be a truly independent fiscal watchdog for the people of Erie County to make sure their hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely. Once elected, he will restore integrity and accountability to Erie County Hall and fiscal discipline to Erie County.

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 Party, the Independence Party and the Working Families Party. For more information about his campaign, please visit www.markpoloncarz.com.