After a scathing 2018 state report lambasted the leadership and transparency of the Erie County Water Authority, which had doled out high-paying jobs to the politically connected, its board pledged reforms.
It began hiring experienced engineers to run the agency tasked with providing clean water to more than a half million consumers.
Given the water authority’s battered public image, commissioners know they face obstacles in attracting a strong, well-qualified
But that was then. This is now.
The water authority on Thursday morning hired a well-connected political player to be its executive director.
Charles “Chuck” E. Eaton, the longtime chief of staff to Democratic Congressman Brian Higgins, was unanimously appointed by the ECWA board to head the agency’s water quality and engineering operations at an annual salary of $175,583. He begins Sept. 18.
Chairman Jerome Schad said Thursday that he is aware the board will be criticized for appointing Eaton, but asked people to reserve judgment and let Eaton prove that he’s up to the task. Given the dire need for more state and federal funding to assist with water infrastructure needs, he said, Eaton has the experience needed to help attract that money.
“He’s a very, very talented person,” Schad said….
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