Debate over Lackawanna housing director

LACKAWANNA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A former mayor of Lackawanna is making its way into the position of Executive Director of the Lackawanna Housing Authority that is causing a debate with others.

Many were asking whether the appointment is patronage, or deserved.

For eight years as mayor of Lackawanna, and another four years as Council President, Norman Polanski dealt with $20 million dollar budgets.

He says that makes him well qualified to lead the Lackawanna Municipal Housing Authority.

“That is my experience. I have done it all,” said Polanski.

Polanski had to sit out a one-year waiting period for elected officials leaving office.

The Executive Director of the housing authority resigned just in time for Polanski to be appointed on an interim basis.

He hopes it becomes a three-year appointment.

Polanski was approved by a committee of board members, most of whom he appointed while mayor. When asked how that might look he said, “That's part of the process. There's nothing I can do about it. You appoint people everywhere and people are going to say that doesn't appear right, well it is right because what else are you supposed to do?”

The new position gives Polanski a bigger paycheck than he earned as Lackawanna Mayor.

He says he is the right man for the job. “People will say that. But I say I have the qualifications for the job. Because somebody has been involved in the community and given to the community, all of the sudden it's patronage? No, it's the most qualified person for the job.”