Published: October 26, 2009 11:32 pm      

OUR VIEW: Town council, highway superintendent endorsements

Town Board

Voters in the Town of Tonawanda have several decisions to make on Nov. 3, the first of which will be selecting three of six candidates to fill out the Town Board.

On the ballot are three Democratic incumbents: John Bargnesi, Joe Emminger and Lisa Chimera. Seeking to edge the GOP back into the mix in town government are three challengers: Gigi Grizanti, Jim McGee and Pat O’Hanrahan.

As is customary in town elections, voters will not be asked to pick between two candidates in an individual ward (as is the case in city elections). After speaking with all six of the candidates involved, we found some similarities.

All three of the incumbents relied heavily on what has been an impressive record over the last four years. The Town Board is smaller, the payroll is leaner and no major issues have cropped up to offer a disruption in a municipality that’s increasingly gaining a reputation for sound government.

For that, all three incumbents deserve a share of the credit.

On the challengers’ side were some common themes as well. Public safety was a concern for all three Republicans. Each advocated for exploring increasing the number of police officers, a laudable, though slightly unrealistic goal given the adherent costs passed on to taxpayers. Still, we were glad to see a genuine commitment on the part of these candidates to the safety of residents in the town.

Of these six, the News suggests voters select the following three: Joe Emminger, John Bargnesi and Gigi Grizanti.

Emminger has been a standout councilman whose leadership was especially helpful in addressing some of the town’s long-standing water/sewer infrastructure problems. The town is now beginning to address these difficult — and expensive — problems and voters would be wise to keep him on the board as those projects take shape.

Bargnesi has shown a knack for helping to oversee development in the town. While the number of open spaces for development is low, a municipality with as many brownfields and redevelopment projects as this one needs someone who understands the issue. Bargnesi is that man on the board and should get another four years to continue the work.

We penciled in Grizanti for several reasons: Her strong community and business ties will be an asset to the board. It was clear to us that she has a good head on her shoulders. Of the three challengers, we see Grizanti as the one who could most easily transition from candidate to board member.

Of the remaining three candidates, Chimera would easily warrant an honorable mention. She has been a part of a winning formula for the town thus far. The closest thing to a drawback would be her handling of the town’s library issue. The town’s library committee, which Chimera chairs, has overseen what at times appears to be a tone-deaf zeal for building a new central library. It appears plain to us that there is no appetite for this expenditure among town taxpayers if it means closing neighborhood branches.

McGee and O’Hanrahan both presented as credible candidates, but seemed unable to articulate how some of their grand ideas, particularly in the realm of business development, could be made into reality.

Highway superintendent

Perhaps the most interesting race in town government this year revolves around the highway garage. Veteran superintendent Bradley Rowles, a 30-year town public works employee seeking his second term as highway superintendent, faces a proven vote-getter in Councilman Dan Crangle.

This race boils down to how much residents like or dislike the services they get from their highway department.

Rowles has proven himself a capable leader during the most trying of times and was an integral part of the town’s superior response to the 2006 October Storm. Rowles demonstrates an encyclopedic knowledge of the nuances of the job. One could credibly call him an expert on highway and public works issues. We believe this has translated into a department that offers superior services at a reasonable price for taxpayers.

In his interview with us, Crangle made it clear he disagrees with that assessment. He sees a department in decline and lacking in leadership. If you share that view, by all means vote for Crangle.

It’s our suspicion that most town residents are at least satisfied — if not greatly pleased — with their garbage pickup, snow removal, road paving, tree trimming and sidewalk repairs. For that we offer a hearty endorsement of Brad Rowles for another term.

NOTE ON THE PROCESS: Candidates for elective office were invited to 30 minute individual interviews with the paper’s editorial board. These interviews in addition to the context gleaned from coverage of campaigns and ongoing issues relevant to voters were considered in making these endorsements. A particular party affiliation is not a qualification for the paper’s endorsement.