BRIDGE COMMISSION: County lawmakers getting in on the act

By Mark Scheer<br><a href="mailto:scheerm@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Mark</a>
Niagara Gazette

October 02, 2008 08:46 pm

— Niagara County lawmakers may formally add their names next week to the list of those interested in the terms of the compensation package of former Niagara Falls Bridge Commission Executive Director Thomas Garlock.
Niagara Falls Democrat Renae Kimble has sponsored a resolution that calls on the commission to release information about any severance package Garlock may have received when he left the binational agency in July.
“Good government is transparent government,” Kimble said. “I just think it’s important for this information to be given to the public.”
Kimble’s proposal follows earlier requests for information about Garlock’s contract from state Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, who has asked Gov. David Paterson to investigate the situation.
The commission denied a written request from Maziarz who asked for a copy of Garlock’s contract as well as any commission resolutions pertaining to his departure. Commission members contend that the agency, as constituted, is not obligated to share such information publicly.
“That’s been the problem with this agency,” Kimble said. “They feel as though they answer to no one. Obviously, they answer to someone. We need to know, who do they answer to?”
Maziarz has since sent a follow-up request to the commission, citing a 2003 advisory opinion from the state’s Committee on Open Government which says the commission’s financial dealings are subject to the state’s Freedom of Information Law.
Janice Thomson, chairperson for the bridge commission, said her agency has prepared a response to Maziarz’s latest inquiry and planned to deliver it soon. Thomson again insisted that the commission, as a binational organization consisting of representatives from the United States and Canada, is not subject to New York’s Freedom of Information laws and is not obligated to share the details of Garlock’s service contract.
“It’s impossible for us to release the information when it is related to a personnel matter,” Thomson said.
Maziarz said the commission’s response to his follow-up request will determine his next course of action. Maziarz said he intends to continue to pursue the matter and, if necessary, will seek intervention from the courts to force the commission into compliance with state Freedom of Information law.