Broome County's executive Barbara Fiala will take the top job at New York's DMV, reports Jennifer Fusco at the Press & Sun-Bulletin:
"It's difficult to say no to a governor, a governor that I have supported and believe strongly in," [Fiala] said. "It's bittersweet, but I'm excited." Fiala, who became Broome's leader in 2005, announced her plans Wednesday. She said she would serve as executive until about April 1, which quickly shifted attention toward possible Democratic candidates to take her place.
Fiala's time at the helm of Broome County was marked by her support of hydrofracking at a time when the practice was in hot dispute. But now she's returning to her roots, according to PSB:
In the end, Fiala said she ended up right where she started. In 1981, she began a career in county government as a motor vehicles supervisor. Now, it has come full circle. "As a joke, people I worked with called me commissioner," she said. "Well, it took me 30 years to get to that -- I'm a slow riser."
Auto shows
The Syracuse AutoExpo got underway yesterday, and Buffalo's Auto Show is also rolling on. Matt Glynn at the Buffalo News reports that dealers are trying to capitalize on growing consumer confidence and a renewed attitude toward American automakers:
Regional auto shows like Buffalo's help create a local buzz for buying cars, said Jesse Toprak, an analyst with pricing site TrueCar.com. "Especially now, igniting interest in car buying is so important." For a couple like Beth and Al Ashman, of East Aurora, the Buffalo show is a chance to hash out a compromise on which vehicle might suit both of them. "I love the [Ford] Fiesta, but he can't get into it," because he is too tall, Beth Ashman said. But they both favor U.S. brands, and Beth Ashman especially likes Ford for not taking federal loans. They are also keen on good fuel economy, as they seek a replacement for their 1999 Dodge Caravan.
Want more news from the Innovation Trail? Subscribe to the feed.
