Brown announces candidacy for county treasurer’s office

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, March 16, 2006
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, March 18, 2006

Patrick D. Brown, a certified public accountant and former Niagara Falls city comptroller, has declared his candidacy for Niagara County Treasurer. Brown is currently a partner with Brown & Company CPAs, in the Town of Niagara.

“We have had the same county treasurer for 33 years,” Brown said. “We cannot afford complacency in the county treasurer’s office as the county’s financial situation becomes more challenging and complex. It is long past time for a fresh, proactive approach to county finances. I bring extensive private business and government experience to the county.”

“I will be an independent, fiscally conservative and aggressive watchdog of taxpayer dollars,” Brown said. “I will speak up when I see budget schemes, wasteful spending or financial abuses that hurt taxpayers. The people of Niagara County deserve accountability from their county treasurer, and that’s what they will get from me. I will keep you informed and safeguard your money.”

Brown, a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of financial experience in the public and private sectors, will breath new life and energy into the county treasurer’s office. As city comptroller in Niagara Falls from 1992-96, the New York State Comptroller recognized Brown for resurrecting the city’s neglected audit and financial reporting systems. Brown directed multi-million dollar construction bond financing. As the taxpayers’ watchdog, Brown saved thousands by implementing budget balancing strategies and refinancing of debt. “My proven expertise and experience in government and private sector financial matters will serve the taxpayers well,” he said.

As a CPA with Brown & Company, Brown performs audits and provides financial guidance for several towns and villages throughout Niagara County. Serving many private sector clients, he has also worked in corporate finance for Pyron Corporation and the Standard Oil Electro Minerals Company (formerly Carborundum). Brown is up to date with current accounting and financial standards, completes 40 hours of continuing professional education courses annually, and has earned a certificate as an associate member with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

A graduate of Niagara University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and Leadership Niagara, Brown has been an active volunteer for such organizations as the Niagara Military Affairs Council, the Lewiston Kiwanis Club, the Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, as treasurer for both the Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association and Industrial Development Agency, St. Mary of the Cataract and Our Lady of Mount Carmel churches.

He also served as official auditor of the Miss Niagara Pageant, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 247 and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was a co-recipient of the United Way’s Anthony L. Bax Humanitarian and Niagara University Accounting Society’s Outstanding Alumni awards with his father, Harold, and brothers Christopher and Stephen, who are all certified public accountants.

“Community service has always been very important to our family,” Brown said.

He lives in Niagara Falls, with his wife, Maria.