Published: October 29, 2007 11:26 pm      

NORTH TONAWANDA: Candidates debate the issues

Candidates for the North Tonawanda Common Council and Niagara County Legislature came together Monday night to convey their viewpoints as Election Day nears.

The candidates engaged in a debate hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas and moderated by former Tonawanda News managing editor and current Greater Niagara Newspapers Group Sports Editor Tim Schmitt, with a crowd of more than 50 people in attendance.

The debate began with those vying for spots on the North Tonawanda Common Council. All candidates were asked about their feelings on Wal-Mart, which incurred near-unanimous support from all candidates.

Current incumbents Alderwoman-at-large Catherine Schwandt and 3rd Ward Alderwoman Nancy Donovan both said they had some unanswered questions with the project and how it would affect the city. Current 2nd Ward Alderman Kevin Brick took a stronger stance on the project than he has in the past, voicing his support for Wal-Mart.

In the 1st Ward, Anthony DiBernardo and Dennis Pasiak agreed on many issues, including Wal-Mart and keeping the concerts at Gateway Harbor Park, though DiBernardo wishes to move Thursday concerts back to Fisherman’s Park, he said.

DiBernardo also discussed his wishes to construct a pavilion, permanent restroom facility and playground at Gratwick-Riverside Park, and for the city to run the former Niagara River Yacht Club.

Pasiak wants to familiarize himself with city codes, he said. He also spoke of improving communication between residents and government.

“Residents seem to be confused with how to converse with city hall,” Pasiak said.

In the 2nd Ward, Brick discussed the positive aspects of the Remington Rand project and how the city needs to build off that success. Downtown redevelopment is a key to the city, Brick said.

“I think the downtown has to set an example for the rest of the city’s dead spots,” Brick said.

When discussing the current political climate of city government, 2nd Ward challenger Lori Calamita said she would keep politics out of the council. Calamita also briefly discussed creating a five-year rotating plan to work on city roads.

In the 3rd Ward, Donovan believes the city has done well in economic development during her time on the council, and pointed to the Remington Rand building and Webster Street development as successes.

“All that revitalization is going to bring in economic growth,” Donovan said.

Former North Tonawanda mayor and current 3rd Ward challenger David Burgio mentioned that most of the successes in redevelopment were created during his time as mayor.

Stalling government and indecision are plaguing the city when it comes to development, Burgio said.

Regarding the issues with the North Tonawanda Charter Review Committee, Schwandt wants to find out why the proposed changes were not brought to the community.

It was a travesty the changes were not brought to a vote this year, said Art Pappas, Schwandt’s challenger for the alderman-at-large position.

“The present charter, as far as I’m concerned, has never been implemented in its entirety,” Pappas said.

Niagara County Legislature

Niagara County Legislature candidates discussed numerous issues during the second part of the debate, including high county taxes and Mount View.

Ninth District Legislator Andrea McNulty said that Niagara County can reduce taxes by broadening the tax base. The current $20 million surplus in the county is adequate, McNulty said.

Her opponent, Edward McDonald, disagreed. Money currently in the surplus should be going back to the taxpayers, he said.

“I believe the surplus is too high,” McDonald said.

Tax property cuts for Cold War veterans were debated by the 10th District candidates, with challenger Joe Rich in favor of any cuts.

“We cannot put a price tag on veterans benefits,” Rich said.

10th District Legislator Pete Smolinski wondered how many tax breaks the city could give. The costs for such cuts would be unknown at this point, he said.

“Quite frankly, you have to know what any costs are to any program,” Smolinski said.

11th District candidate Scott Schultz disapproved of the legislature’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes deal with AES Somerset by the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency. The deal creates no new jobs in an area of no hardship, Schultz said.

AES Somerset can benefit the county in the future, 11th District candidate Paul Wojtaszek said.

“They are going to invest further in Niagara County, which is good, if they’re going to stimulate growth,” Wojtaszek said.

Contact reporter Phil Dzikiyat 693-1000, ext. 114.