Date: September 21, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Comptroller Kevin Hardwick Responds to Allegations of Political Bias from Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President & CEO, Henry Wojtaszek
“After a series of questions sent by my office to Mr. Wojtaszek went unanswered, he responded to inquiries from the Buffalo News that his refusal to respond was based on his assessment that my interest was piqued by political motivations and that somehow, I have joined forces with George Maziarz, his former friend and colleague. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.
Although both Mr. Maziarz and his Attorney Nathan McMurray, reached out to me directly in early August, I rebuffed or ignored their overtures. Independence is paramount to my position as Erie County Comptroller. There is no reason for Mr. Wojtaszek to continually stonewall simple questions asked by the Chief Fiscal Officer of one of the WROTB’s 17 owners.
It is my sincere hope that all of my questions, such as those regarding lobbyist and outside lawyer expenses, do find reasonable, factual responses that are soundly justified. The people of Erie County deserve honesty and transparency. And I will demand nothing less.”