Act Now Media Investigates Falsified Claims to State Assembly Regarding Judicial Vacancy
CITY OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. — A growing scandal in the City of Tonawanda has raised serious questions about government transparency and the potential for fraud after a bill was introduced to the New York State Assembly based on what appears to be a false narrative.
At the center of the controversy is a now-withdrawn bill sponsored by Assemblyman William Conrad (D-140), which sought to waive residency requirements for the city’s part-time judge position. The justification provided for the bill claimed there were “no qualified or interested candidates” within the city limits.
However, investigations by Act Now Media have revealed that not only was this claim incorrect, but it also ignored a highly qualified local applicant who had already filed her resume with the city.
Anna Jost, a resident of Tonawanda for 25 years and an attorney with over two decades of experience—including arguments before the State’s highest court—had officially submitted her letter of intent for the part-time judgeship in November.
“I have practiced law for 25 years and have lived in this city 25 years,” Josy stated during a heated city council meeting. “The statute says you have to practice law five years and live in the city. To say the position is unable to be filled by a resident is a libelous statement.”
Jost’s credentials far exceed the minimum requirements, yet the bill submitted to the State Assembly claimed a “limited pool of attorneys” necessitated looking outside the city and even into neighboring Niagara County.
The most troubling aspect of the investigation is the origin of the request to Assemblyman Conrad. During public sessions, City Council members admitted they had not authorized anyone to approach the Assemblyman’s office regarding the residency waiver.
This suggests that an individual or group may have fraudulently represented themselves as acting on behalf of the City of Tonawanda to push the legislation through.
“We have someone impersonating someone on behalf of the city,” noted one council member during the working session. “As a council member, I’d like to know that—that’s a crime.”
When questioned by Act Now Media’s Duane Whitmer, Council President Jenna Koch claimed she did not know who “penned the letter” that led to the bill’s introduction. Efforts to obtain these communications through Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests have been stymied by the fact that the state legislature has exempted its members from such transparency requirements.
The push to hire a judge from outside the city stands in stark contrast to recent campaign rhetoric. Current Mayor William Strasburg and several council members campaigned on “residency requirements” for police and fire services, arguing that local officials should live in the community they serve.
“If I’ve lived here 25 years and pay taxes here 25 years and my money is not good enough, why the heck would anybody move here?” Jost asked.
Following the outcry, Assemblyman Conrad’s office quickly struck the bill from consideration. However, the question of who initiated the fraudulent request remains unanswered.
Act Now Media is calling on residents to contact Assemblyman William Conrad’s office to demand the name of the individual who claimed to represent the city in this matter. Transparency is not a suggestion; it is a requirement of leadership.
