Collins and Poloncarz bicker over radio

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Out of office for nearly two weeks, Former Erie County Executive Chris Collins is being thrust into the spotlight, once again. 

The Poloncarz administration has reportedly withheld Collins' last paycheck, in an effort to retrieve emergency lights and radios from Collins' car.  Collins' said he alerted the Poloncarz administration that their actions were illegal, putting them "on notice."

"Why he's showing vindictive, petty behavior, coupled with breaking labor laws just befuddles me," Collins said.

The check, worth more than $2,000 was reportedly put in the mail, earlier this week.

Citing "sensitive information", the Poloncarz camp wants the lights and radios returned immediately.   

Collins said, "I've said from day one, I have no use for this equipment anymore."

At issue is, who should remove the radios from Collins' vehicle.  Collins used his personal vehicle on official business, he says, saving Erie County tax payers a lot of money.  Poloncarz is doing the same. 

Collins refuses to let Erie County crews remove the radios.  Collins says, the man in charge of Emergency Services, is a man he fired.  Collins' notes the two are at odds with each other. 

"Not to say he would do anything unsavory to my vehicle, but why would anyone bring their car to someone who has obviously demonstrated a dislike for me," Collins questioned. 

Collins wants to bring his SUV to a dealership- of his choice- and send the bill to the county.

News 4 spoke with Poloncarz's Press Secretary, Peter Anderson.  We asked where Poloncarz was, in order to speak with him about the issue.  Anderson said, "Mr. Poloncarz is doing the people's business...and is very involved in meetings."

Anderson said the equipment was installed in Collins' vehicle on county time.  He wants the county to continue working on the car.  Anderson said Collins' car would be treated with the "tender love and care" it warrants.

Some private citizens, like Gary Gleba, say enough is enough between the two pundits.  "Frankly, I think it's a bit petty.  You know, I think, in all honesty, he should just deliver it to the county.  I don't think there would be any vendetta... I think they would remove the equipment and that would be the end of it," Gleba said. 

After our interview, Collins says he removed the radios, lights and sirens himself and returned them to the county.

Collins says he used the lights and radios twice while in office.  He said it was important to have, especially in an instance like the crash of Flight 3407, in Clarence Center. 

Poloncarz's press secretary told News 4, the County Executive would not be installing such features, since they are not needed.