Stephanie Logue 

Staff Writer

szl414@psu.edu 

Members of Erie County Council clashed Thursday over a starting salary for incoming County Clerk Julie Slomski, igniting political tensions. The disagreement was the latest in a series of quarrels over the 44-year-old Democrat and former state Senate candidate, whom Republicans accuse of being too political for the nonpartisan job of overseeing the county’s elections. 

“I do think that politics unfortunately are coming into this,” said Democratic Councilwoman Mary Rennie in reference to Republican pushback. Rennie, the council Vice-chairperson, proposed that Slomski be paid $82,992 per year, the same amount that Slomski’s predecessor, Doug Smith, was paid in 2021. While the amount is a 3 percent decrease from the salary allotted in the 2022 budget and would not necessitate additional funds, Republican Council Chairman Brian Shank objected, saying it was still a “pretty big leap of faith” for Slomski, who has never worked in county government. “I won’t support it,” Republican Councilman Samuel Bayle said Thursday during a personnel meeting at Erie County Courthouse. 

Councilman Samuel Bayle added that under Rennie’s proposal, Slomski would be paid the same as Smith after 19 years on the job. Before making a decision, he said he would like to do more research and possibly consult with the county’s financial advisor, J.L. Nick & Associates, Inc. Ellen Schauerman, a Republican councilwoman, agreed. 

Slomski, who was appointed by council in a party-line vote at a March 10 executive session, has come under fire from Republican members who believe her political background is problematic.  In 2020, she ran against Millcreek state Senator Dan Laughlin, a Republican in the 49th district. She also worked as the Chief of staff for Millcreek’s 3rd District state Representative, Democrat Ryan Bizzarro, and as the governor’s Northwest Regional Director.

Members of the Democratic Council have praised Slomski for her government and management experience. However, Republican members, as well as Erie County Executive Brenton Davis, believe Slomski is too entrenched in Democratic politics to serve as County Clerk, a position which also presides as the Clerk of Elections. The County Clerk, who reports to the county council, does not count votes as Clerk of Elections, but instead acts as an agent of the Erie County Election Board and supervises the election process. Democratic Councilman Andre Horton urged his colleagues on Thursday March 31,  to consider the duties and responsibilities of the position rather than the individual when determining a salary. 

According to Rennie, J.L. Nick evaluated the position last year and her proposed salary is within the recommended pay range. Prior to voting, Republican members requested to see this documentation. Rennie added that the proposed 3 percent salary cut was the same standard used and approved for other administration appointees. Democratic Councilman Jim Winarski proposed the only alternative salary to Rennie’s at $80,574, a 6 percent decrease from the budget for 2022. Council will vote on the salary at its regular meeting on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Erie County Courthouse.

On Tuesday, April 5, the agenda also includes salary votes for three other positions: Director of Public Health, Director of Veterans Affairs, and Director of Planning and Community Development.  Ann Villella, Director of Human Resources for Erie County, stated that the administration consulted with J.L. Nick on all three positions and that each new salary proposal falls within recommended pay ranges. The administration proposed raising Erin Mrenak’s annual salary from $61,815 to $95,739, which would necessitate a $33,924 supplemental budget appropriation. Mrenak’s increased duties and responsibilities, as well as her 12 years of relevant experience in comprehensive health care management, were used to justify the raise. Mrenak’s predecessor, Melissa Lyon, earned more than $98,000 per year before leaving in 2021. Joe Benacci, Director of Veterans Affairs, would be paid $65,978 per year, according to the administration’s proposal. The salary is approximately $12,000 less than Erie County Executive Brenton Davis’ initial salary request in February.  

The amount allocated falls within the budgeted amount for 2022 and does not necessitate additional funds. Villella believes that the salary for the Director of Planning and Community Development — a position currently held by Jon Whaley, who lacks the required seven years of professional planning experience — should be more competitive in order to attract new candidates. The administration proposed an increase in the annual salary from $67,367 to $85,842. Council members from both parties have expressed support for the new proposals, which are expected to be approved on Tuesday, April 5.