Erie County, NY – Erie County Chairwoman April Baskin, Majority Leader Tim Meyers, and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Howard Johnson today endorsed Democrat Kimberly Beaty for Erie County Sheriff, citing her 35-year career in law enforcement and proven track record of leadership.
“30 people have died under the 16-year tenure of Sheriff Timothy Howard. There have been allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse of taxpayer-funded vehicles, and overtime abuse. It has been a complete failure of leadership.
“It’s time that we get a new Sheriff in Erie County and it’s time for that Sheriff to be someone who will bring professionalism, who will increase the standards, who will be empathetic and tough. I personally believe the only person and the only candidate on the ballot this November to do that job is Kim Beaty. She is experienced in law enforcement leadership. She knows what she’s doing and she’s going to do a good job.” said Chairwoman Baskin
“Millions upon millions of dollars spent settling lawsuits and spent on compensation cases. If there’s a time for change, it is now. Chief Beaty is prepared, poised, and ready to take on this challenge. I’m proud to get behind Chief Beaty to make the change and do what’s right for the residents of Erie County.” said Majority Leader Meyers
“As Chair of Public Safety, I’ve had a front-row seat to the misconduct, the mishaps, and the misappropriation that’s happening in the Sheriff’s Office. The road deputies and jail management deserve a leader, a leader they can trust: and that leader is Kim Beaty. She is ready for the job.” said Legislator Johnson
“I know that every single person standing here today are aware that we need proven leadership to go into the Sheriff’s Office and be ready to lead on day one. That person is me. I’ve worked in law enforcement for 35 years and I moved up the ranks to Deputy Police Commissioner of the Buffalo Police Department. I am currently a chief at Canisius College.” said Chief Beaty
“I am the highest-ranking person running for office. We can’t let people come to work and pretend they can be a leader. I’m ready to walk in on day one. You don’t have to show me what to do. There will not be mismanagement, there will not be police misconduct that has gone unaddressed. I am prepared to lead.”
Chief Beaty is currently the Director of Public Safety at Canisius College. Previously, she was the Deputy Police Commissioner of Operations and Homeland Security for the Buffalo Police Department.
A video of the full press conference can be found here: https://youtu.be/vOlCIp8zqbY