[Press Release from Mayor Dyster]

The two administrative changes that I announced today are part of my ongoing commitment to the City of Niagara Falls. I have proceeded cautiously but deliberately in arriving at these decisions, and they were necessary for the evolution of my administration.

The voters do not re-elect a mayor to a third term in office unless they are pleased with the administration’s overall performance. Nonetheless, in my inaugural address I promised that I would approach my third term in office with the same energy and enthusiasm as the first. This means putting together the right team to face the challenges of the future, not resting on the laurels of the past. This process is ongoing and additional changes may come, but rest assured that the process is nearing its end.

I thank you for your continued patience as we strive to make the right selections, not just the expedient ones.

[Press Release]

As you know, Maria Brown has served in the Executive position of Niagara Falls City Controller for over 16 years.   She has served three mayoral administrations, including my own during my first two terms as Mayor.  Over this time, she has aggressively monitored the City’s finances and played an important role in maintaining the City’s fiscal stability.   Of particular note was her leadership, skill and counsel during the dispute between New York State and the Seneca Nation over casino funding which greatly assisted this administration during a period of financial distress.

I announced shortly after the start of my third term that I intended to evaluate each position of policy-making responsibility within my administration to ensure that we have the right people in the right positions at this critical time. Maria indicated her desire to remain in her position for the duration of my third term.  However, after careful consideration, I have concluded that as we move our city forward, it is necessary to implement a change in direction in the City Controller’s office in order to better address the needs of the Finance Department.  Effective today, I am officially announcing my intent to relieve Maria Brown of her duties as City Controller. In order to ensure continuity and smooth functioning of the Finance Department during this period of transition, I have asked Sandra Peploe, a recently retired, well-respected and long-serving veteran of the department, to serve temporarily as Acting City Controller, a role which she capably served for 15 months during the Galie Administration in the late 1990’s.   In accordance with the City Charter, I am asking the Niagara Falls City Council to confirm these actions and give their consent to authorize this transition

I must note that Ms. Brown’s discharge is not a reflection of her performance in the oversight of City finances; however, I believe that this is necessary in order to address the challenges that face the department and this Administration over the remainder of my third term.

When I informed Maria of my decision, she informed me of her desire to remain in the finance department where she is currently on leave of absence from a civil service position as senior auditor. Her wealth of experience should be an asset within the Controller’s Office.

Today I want to personally thank Maria Brown for her dedicated service as City Controller.  Her diligent oversight of the City’s financial operations and her commitment to financial responsibility are to be commended.  We wish her well going forward.