Erie County's fiscal watchdog became official yesterday, as David Shenk was sworn in as county comptroller, filling a spot left vacant when Mark Poloncarz became county executive.
The new comptroller faces a grueling schedule of running the office and facing up to four primary and general elections between now and the end of next year.
The vote this year is for the final year of Poloncarz' term; the vote next year is on a full four-year term.
Shenk says he has spent his life in public service.
"I have protected your interests in a combat zone three times. And I will protect your interests at County Hall as your fiscal watchdog," Shenk said in his acceptance speech.
Shenk had been Boston town clerk for nearly two decades before a committee appointed by Democratic County Chairman Len Lenihan picked him for the new post and he was confirmed by the County Legislature.
