HERNANDEZ PLEDGES TO AUDIT THE CITY OF BUFFALO AFTER 19% PROPERTY TAX HIKE

 

Republican candidate for State Comptroller Joseph Hernandez today stood alongside Erie County Republican Chairman Michael Kracker and pledged to audit the City of Buffalo on his first day in office, following Mayor Sean Ryan’s 19% property tax levy increase this year.

 

The city faces a $109 million structural gap and is now seeking over $20 million in emergency bonding. In May, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office reviewed Buffalo’s finances and confirmed the deficit. Just weeks later, the tax hike passed.

Hernandez stands outside Buffalo City Hall with Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Michael Kracker and Republican candidate for NYS Assembly District 149, Frank Bogulski.

“Buffalo homeowners are paying 19% more this year in property taxes, and our comptroller has done nothing to help,” said Hernandez. “DiNapoli has released report after report without using the powers of his office to audit, root out waste and fraud, and look out for taxpayers. On Day One, I will order a comprehensive audit of the City of Buffalo to stop Mayor Ryan’s atrocious attack on taxpayers.”

 

When asked about DiNapoli’s response to the levy increase, Hernandez said, “Tom has been a lapdog, not a watchdog, in Albany for the last 20 years.”

 

Hernandez emphasized his commitment to putting taxpayers ahead of party politics, particularly in Western New York. “Families in Buffalo and across Western New York deserve a comptroller who will stand up for them, hold local governments accountable, and make sure their hard-earned money is being spent responsibly,” said Hernandez.

 

“Buffalo families opened their wallets this year to a 19% hike. Kathy Hochul's comptroller reported the damage and let homeowners take the hit," said Chairman Kracker. “Joseph Hernandez is promising to walk into City Hall, follow the money, and stop the freefall. After 19 years of DiNapoli, Western New York deserves a Comptroller who actually does the work.”