Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is responding to claims that he covered up a criminal investigation. Though Poloncarz may have referred the matter to the AG's office, Republican County Executive candidate Ray Walter says taxpayers should have been informed.
"Multiple sources have said that this investigation is still going on today," Walter said.
"They're not talking about 2010, 2011. They're talking about an ongoing criminal investigation."
Poloncarz says he uncovered the issue when he was County Comptroller and Chris Collins was County Executive.
"If you're going to try to use something like this for political purposes, then shame on you," Poloncarz responded.
"It would have made me look like an idiot, first off, but it would have also compromised, more importantly, the investigation. I had no interest in doing that."
According to the AG's office, investigators looked into competitive bidding for Department of Public Works projects. After a thorough review, the office closed the case with no further action.