Erie County Legislator Chris Greene says the resignation of Michael Joseph as Chairman of the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Board is just the first step towards holding the Clover Group CEO accountable for alleged racism. A former employee claims Clover Management implemented racist policies when determining sites for development. The company is led by Michael Joseph.
“I’m pleased that Michael Joseph has stepped away from serving on Roswell’s board. But that doesn’t go far enough. Mr. Joseph also needs to step down from his board position at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, an entity that receives millions in county funding,” said Legislator Chris Greene. “He needs to allow for an independent third-party investigation into the alleged discriminatory practices. If found to be true, then going forward Mr. Joseph should not be associated with these very important Western New York institutions.”
Clover Management has also been the recipient of tax breaks from Erie County in the form of PILOT agreements. Just last week Legislator Greene introduced a resolution calling to suspend Michael Joseph from those board positions pending an investigation of Clover Management. That resolution failed in the Erie County Legislature, with all Republican legislators voting in favor, and all Democrat legislators opposing the resolution.
“I don’t know why my colleagues on the other side of the aisle didn’t agree that Mr. Joseph should step down. But I think his board presence is a distraction at the very least. Those with the Buffalo AKG Art Museum should expect him to do the same as he did with the Roswell Board; step away.”
Clover Group, a real estate development firm, has been hit with a racial discrimination lawsuit. Clover has denied charges of racism. A separate resolution was passed 11-0 last week that calls for the termination of employees at Clover Group that were heard in an audio recording allegedly making racist remarks in referencing company practices and policy. That resolution did not hold CEO Michael Joseph accountable.
