Clark earns Independence Party nod for county executive race

The executive committee of the Erie County Independence Party unanimously voted Sunday to endorse West Seneca Supervisor Paul T. Clark for the office of county executive.

After reviewing all the candidates, the party's executive committee felt Clark would be the best choice to lead Erie County and restore its financial credibility, according to committee chairman Anthony L. Orsini.

"Paul impressed our committee with his professional qualifications and managerial skills as well as his record of 15 years of consecutive, on-time budgets in his town and a history of improving local government," Orsini said. "His background as a CPA and an independent businessman make us very comfortable with our decision."

In response to the news of the endorsement, Clark expressed his gratitude as well as his commitment to bringing financial order to the county.

"I'm grateful for the faith placed in me by the Independence committee, and I will not let them nor the citizens of Erie County down," he said. "Our county needs help, and I'm confident that I'll be able to roll up my sleeves and and get our community on the road to fiscal recovery and economic prosperity."

This is the first endorsement of any candidate in the race to replace county executive Joel Giambra, who is not seeking re-election in November. Clark is one of seven declared candidates for the office.