08/25/09: Erie County Votes in Commissioners Becker and Konst

Original YNN Buffalo Air Date: 08/25/09
Two Erie County women are voted into commissioners posts on the 89th anniversary of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote. Sawrie Becker and Kathy Konst are embarking on two new positions with the county. Erie County Executive Chris Collins appointed Becker to the Commissioner of Public Advocacy Post. The County Executive also tapped Lancaster Chamber of Commerce President and fifth district legislator Kathy Konst for Commissioner of the Department of Environment and planning. It’s a job that will gross more than $100,000 a year as she heads a department of 300 plus employees.
“I think he reached out to me because I do have the background in economic development with working with small and big businesses and really have the idea when it comes to developing something here because we have so many resources and so many assets,” said Konst.
“You’re accessible, you’re approachable and you’re accountable. And those are very important traits that we need in commissioners,” said Erie County Legislature Chair Lynn M. Marinelli.
Becker received a unanimous vote while Konst garnered a 12 to one tally. That abstaining vote came out of concern for the district Konst will leave behind.
“While I whole hardly recognize that she [Konst] is an excellent choice. I am however concerned about the background, the requirements of the position and the timing of when it came upon to fill that position,” questioned Erie County Legislator District 3 Barbara Miller-Williams.