In an about-face, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has pulled his nomination of Carol Dankert-Maurer to be the county's Commissioner of Mental Health. Poloncarz had previously said he had "faith" in Dankert-Maurer. But county legislators received notice Monday that Poloncarz has withdrawn his appointment. No explanation was given.
Dankert-Maurer was grilled by legislators last week at a legislature committee meeting. As Commissioner of Social Services, Dankert-Maurer has come under fire in recent years following the deaths of young children at the hands of adults who were on the radar of the county's Child Protective Services.
“I think a majority of Legislators are pleased to learn that County Executive Mark Poloncarz has withdrawn the appointment of Carol Dankert-Maurer to lead the Department of Mental Health. Her previous failures as Commissioner of Social Services were alarming. Furthermore, it was very concerning that when questioned by Legislators, Ms. Dankert-Maurer failed to demonstrate that she has the expertise necessary to lead a department that cares for mentally ill residents of Erie County. We firmly believe that we can do better than this recommendation, and should increase the scope of our search to find a qualified candidate," said Legislature Chairman John Mills, in a statement.
Mills went on to question "what changed over the past month" to cause Poloncarz to change his mind. WBFO is seeking comment from the county executive.
A vote on Dankert-Maurer's appointment was scheduled for Thursday.