Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) – What should have been a routine approval of a payment turned into a major political debate between members of the Erie County Legislature and County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick.
At issue: A $19,500 payment to Hangar One of Carlsbad, Calif. for mission-ready equipment for two new Airbus H125 helicopters being prepped for the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. The county is investing $12.1 million to buy, equip and prepare the two helicopters.
Hardwick said the payment to Hangar One needed approval from the legislature along with documentation from the Sheriff’s department that it was the low and responsible bid…