Collins Appoints Kathy Konst as Commissioner of Environment and Planning

August 5, 2009

Erie County Executive Chris Collins has appointed Legislator Kathy Konst as Commissioner of Environment & Planning.  Konst will begin her job on August 17, 2009, the same day her resignation from the Erie County Legislature will take effect.

“The Commissioner of Environment & Planning is a key post in my administration,” said Erie County Executive Chris Collins.  “It was important to me to find someone who has private sector experience and the ability to help me move my economic development agenda forward.  Kathy easily meets both of those requirements.”

In addition to being a county legislator and serving as Vice-Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Konst is currently the President & CEO of the Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce. 

“Through her private sector experience, Kathy understands the importance of small business development in Erie County and the need for commonsense economic development solutions,” said Collins.  “Kathy is a proven reformer, a challenger of the status quo, and a strong believer that this community must do everything it can to become more business friendly.  That is exactly the kind of person I want to be a part of my administration.”

“Kathy and I have not always landed on the same side of every issue, but we have always agreed on what is best for this community in the long term” continued Collins.  “Creating much needed economic opportunity in Erie County is not a Democratic or Republican issue.  It’s about the survival and ultimate growth of our community.”

“Becoming the Commissioner of Environment & Planning gives me the opportunity to be directly involved in shaping and implementing the County’s economic development initiatives,” said Konst.  “This appointment will allow me to develop public policy instead of just reacting to it as a member of the Legislature.  The future of this community is important to me.  I think we are on the right path, but there is so much that still needs to be accomplished.  I look forward to working closely with the County Executive to achieve our shared goals and continue to the good work of the department.”

“As Chairman of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, I am excited about this appointment,” said Jon Dandes.  “With the appointment of Legislator Konst, the County Executive has found someone who understands the needs of the business community and the government’s important role of creating the right environment for economic development.”

“The County Executive is working hard every day to make Erie County a place where businesses want to grow and locate,” said Phil Ackerman, Chairman of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency.  “Kathy Konst understands the importance and urgency of that mission.  I look forward to working with her for the benefit of local taxpayers.”  

The Commissioner of Environment & Planning leads a department of approximately 300 employees.  The Commissioner assists the County’s effort in economic development, as well as oversees the divisions of Planning, Environmental Compliance and Sewer Management.  Konst will replace Commissioner Holly Sinnott who is leaving the post in mid August to pursue opportunities in the private sector after a highly successful tenure as Commissioner.