Democrat Mark J.F. Schroeder picked up his first party nomination for Buffalo comptroller Thursday when he received the backing of the Erie County Conservative Party.

The move gives Schroeder, an assemblyman from South Buffalo, a boost in his effort to snare the Democratic nomination as he is now assured of at least one line on the ballot, barring the unlikely event of a primary challenge from a registered Conservative.

"There was not even a need for Mark to speak," Erie County Conservative Chairman Ralph C. Lorigo said of the Thursday endorsement meeting, noting Schroeder's longtime Conservative support during his terms in the County Legislature and Assembly.

Others mentioned for the city's top fiscal post include businessman Aaron Siegel and County Legislator Maria R. Whyte.

County Conservatives on Thursday also endorsed four incumbent Democrats for Buffalo City Court: Robert T. Russell Jr., Joseph Fiorella, David Manz and Susan Eagan. They also endorsed incumbent Republican Patricia Maxwell for Family Court.