Published: May 07, 2008 01:54 am            

CITY OF TONAWANDA: Administrator leaving for Hamburg post

Citing personal and professional reasons, Don Witkowski, who has served for 10 years as Tonawanda’s city administrator, is leaving for the Southtowns.

Witkowski is set to become the clerk/treasurer/administrator for the Village of Hamburg, starting May 19. His last day in City Hall will be May 16. The Tonawanda Common Council voted at its meeting Tuesday night to accept Witkowski’s resignation.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here. There are a lot of good things happening,” Witkowski said. Two factors played into his decision to leave. First, Witkowski said there are few such positions available in Western New York, so when one opens up, it’s something to consider. In addition, Witkowski is currently dating a Town of Hamburg woman.

The Village of Hamburg is currently in the middle of a major road reconstruction project that includes four roundabouts to be adorned with sculptures as centerpieces. Following the roadwork, the village’s central business district is in line for some major upgrades.

“On the one hand, it’s real exciting to go to a community that’s on the upswing. But on the other hand, there’s a lot of things happening here that could really turn this community around and establish our identity,” he said. “It was a hard decision.”

Witkowski will receive a pay raise in Hamburg, because of his added duties as village clerk and treasurer.

Ron Pilozzi is the third mayor Witkowski has served under; the previous two were Alice Roth and Jack Gallagher. While wishing him well in his new post, city leaders said Tuesday night that Witkowski’s work ethic and knowledge in all city issues will be sorely missed. “I feel like I’m losing my right arm and my left arm,” Pilozzi said.

Witkowski approached the mayor after the Common Council’s mid-March meeting to inform Pilozzi of his decision. Witkowski learned of the Hamburg position in February, and he said he “made a good connection” with Hamburg Mayor Tom Moses and with the Village Board.

First Ward Councilwoman Colleen Perkins said Witkowski brought consistency to City Hall, even as numerous people have served on the Common Council during his tenure.

“He’s always there to kind of set us straight in that nice little tone of voice he uses,” she said.

Fourth Ward Councilman Rick Davis said Witkowski “was the epitome of (continuity). The man’s memory is impeccable.”

Tonawanda will immediately advertise for a new city administrator, the mayor said. The job requires a bachelor’s degree in public administration and is a mayoral appointment.

Contact reporter David J. Hill at 693-1000, ext. 115.

        

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