Published: July 21, 2008 04:52 pm            

MONDAY: Political consultant, former Zogby employee nominated for new county post (4:52 p.m.)

A political consultant and former associate of the polling outlet Zogby International is in line to become Niagara County’s new public information officer.

Christian W. Peck, who most recently served as a consultant with the Maryland-based polling and market research firm, Ariel & Ethan, LLC, has received the unanimous endorsement for the job from a five-member legislative search committee.

Peck, 31, is a 1999 graduate of St. Bonaventure University where he majored in political science with a minor in journalism and mass communication. His resume lists more than seven years experience in newswriting, public relations and analytical research. Peck started working for Ariel & Ethan last year, writing reports and conducting statistical analyses for political campaigns, advocacy groups, private companies and other clients. From 2004-2007, Peck wrote news releases and newsletters for Zogby and also penned several columns published under the company’s name in periodicals like the Wall Street Journal. In addition, Peck is a former member of the public relations staff at St. Bonaventure and once worked as a reporter and columnist for the Leader-Herald newspaper, a 12,000 circulation daily in Gloversville, N.Y.

Peck’s resume lists his current address at 9145 Rivershore Drive in Niagara Falls.

His nomination is expected to be voted on tonight by the full Legislature.

Reached by telephone on Monday, Peck said he would prefer to reserve comment on his nomination until after Tuesday’s meeting out of deference to county lawmakers.

Search committee chairperson, Legislator William Keith McNall, R-Lockport, said the county’s Human Resources Department received 57 applications for the position. Of those, he said, 34 were disqualified for failing to meet the county’s qualifications for the post. McNall said the committee reviewed the remaining 23 candidates, whittling the group down to 12 semi-finalists and, ultimately, five top contenders. In the end, McNall said, committee members were most impressed by Peck’s educational background and experience. McNall said he’s confident Peck will be able to effectively handle all the duties related to the position, including promotion of the county’s economic successes and its various services for residents.

“We need the right person to promote our strengths, both within and outside our county boundaries,” McNall said.

If approved for the position, Peck will be paid $39,500 per year.

“He really can get out – in a professional manner – what is happening in the county in every one of the areas,” said Legislature Chairman Bill Ross, C-Wheatfield.

When asked if the county’s new public information officer would serve as a mouthpiece for members of the Legislature or other county officials, Ross said that was not the intention and he believes county lawmakers will continue to speak for themselves on matters of public interest.

“It’s still an open-door policy,” Ross said.

Contact reporter Mark Scheer at 282-2311, ext. 2250

        

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