ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

---

Former Lockport School Board member Allan Jack announced this morning his candidacy for the 5th Ward alderman seat being vacated by Ken Genewick.

Jack, an Erie Street resident, is currently a member of the Lockport Zoning Board of Appeals. The registered Republican says he will also be seeking the endorsements of the Conservative and Independence parties.

Jack's primary concerns for the city, as highlighted in his announcement letter, include building inspection, public safety, and finance.

Jack's announcement letter follows in its entirety:

Today I am announcing my candidacy for 5th Ward alderman in the City of Lockport. I am a third generation, lifelong resident of Lockport and am currently serving on the Lockport Zoning Board of Appeals. I was a Trustee on the Lockport Board of Education for many years. I am a retired operations manager with an extensive background in business, finance and human resources. If elected, I will be able to devote the time necessary to carry out the duties of Alderman and, more importantly, get things done.

I will be assessing the needs and concerns of the residents in the 5th Ward as my campaign progresses. First, I believe Lockport building inspection codes should continue to be rigidly enforced, especially in cases where absentee or negligent landlords are involved. I will dedicate myself to not only improving our neighborhoods but also addressing the major infrastructure issues throughout the city. Public safety issues will also be high on my list of priorities.

There is no reason the Water and Sewer funds should be operating in the red with over $800,000 owed in delinquent accounts. I want to address this problem from day one if I am elected. The same should apply to our Refuse Account.

When privatization of refuse collection was implemented we saved approximately one million dollars in manpower, equipment, maintenance and dumping fees. In addition, comprehensive recycling was begun. We were told this service would be self-sufficient and property owners would be given rebates for recycling. This has not happened. We need to make sure this program does not go into the red and that rebates are offered as was promised.

I have always been fiscally conservative. Taxes and spending are important issues to me. When I served the Lockport School Board as Audit Committee Chairman we always maintained substantial monies in our various reserve accounts. It is vital that we solve Lockport’s fiscal crisis and restore our fund balance as soon as possible. I will make that a top priority if elected. I am a team player and feel confident I can work with our administration and common council cooperatively to continue the rebuilding process our city has implemented over the past two years. I pledge to work constructively with all city employees and bargaining units and seek their input on issues that affect them. I am a problem solver and will dedicate myself to the betterment of my ward and the city as a whole. I always return phone calls and welcome feedback and suggestions from everyone.

I am very optimistic about the future. Some have suggested we just do nothing and dissolve the City of Lockport’s Charter. That is NOT a viable option for me.
Lockport is a great place to live, work and raise a family. I want to make sure this legacy continues for the next generation and beyond. I am confident this goal can be achieved with the right people in city government. I am seeking the support of every 5th Ward resident during my campaign and encourage you to contact me with your questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Allan W. Jack

RELATED LINK:

• Genewick will not run for re-election

---

For instant access to East Niagara Post's YouTube videos, social media feeds and more, 

download the new ENP Mobile app for Android.