This letter is in response to the editorial view in the Union-Sun & Journal on Monday, May 9, 2016. Sadly, this newspaper lacks journalistic integrity by choosing to report misleading information to the community rather than reporting the facts.

Here are the facts this newspaper failed to mention:

• The “poor city democrats…out of power for so long” were not the party responsible for putting the City of Lockport into 10 years of deficit financing with New York State.
• The city’s refuse program was implemented in 2011 to save the taxpayers money; however, any savings cannot be determined without a complete audit, which Alderman O’Shaughnessy requested in his resolution. At no time did we state that we were unhappy with Modern. Our goal has always been to ensure that City of Lockport taxpayers are receiving the best possible price for refuse collection. The bidding process exists for that reason.
• We were not at the special meeting to explore the Modern issue because it was held, over our objections, during the day when we both work and cannot attend. The mayor refused our request and held the meeting without us.
• The request to move forward with the RFP process quickly was made due to the window of opportunity for RFP’s closing. A copy of the Modern contract was requested from the City Clerk and Corporation Council months prior to the special meeting. To date, we have still not received a complete copy of the signed contract.
• The common council consists of 3 elected Democrats and 3 elected Republicans, with votes to date being cast in a bi-partisan manner. How does this constitute an “opposition bloc”?
• We listen to all suggestions and regard city employees as valuable assets. The streets superintendent and several city employees asked what it would cost for the city to reinstitute pickup.

Here are the questions this newspaper should be asking:

• Why wasn’t the Modern contract given to council members in a timely manner when it was requested? Who leaked the Modern renewal prices, which should have been confidential, to the Buffalo News? Residents are being charged $75 to replace refuse and recycling carts -what is the actual cost of replacing these carts?
• Why doesn’t the city receive the recycling refund?
• Why is employee morale at city hall still at an all-time low?
• Why is the city paying so much for outside legal services?
• Why is the city exposing itself to legal repercussions from city employees who may have been denied rightful promotions?
• Why was the police union contract settled in an election year, while the other 3 contracts remain unresolved?

Politics isn’t what is getting in the way of city business. The mayor who believes this city should be run as a dictatorship is holding this city back. Sadder still will be the day that we return to a rubber stamp council. We have signed our names to this letter, unlike the editors of this newspaper who hide behind their pens.

-- Anita Mullane, Alderwoman, 2nd Ward
-- Joe O’Shaughnessy, Alderman-at-Large

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scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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Joe O'Shaughnessy

In the minutes following an ENP news story this morning concerning a special meeting of the Common Council slated for Tuesday and Council President David Wohleben's problems with it, two city officials took the Republican to task. Just moments ago, a third chimed in.

Anita Mullane

The three group emails -- from Democrat Aldermen Rick Abbott, Anita Mullane and Joe O'Shaughnessy -- all disagree with Wohleben's original assertion that the work session called for is illegal. O'Shaugnessy even goes so far as to call the Council president "shameful."

The mass email exchange started at 10:25 p.m. Friday with a group message from Wohleben to his fellow Council members, as well as Mayor Anne McCaffrey, City Clerk Richelle Pasceri, Corporation Counsel John Ottaviano, and members of the media: East Niagara Post, the Lockport Journal, Buffalo News and LCTV. It is unknown if Abbott and Mullane knew the media was in on the exchange. O'Shaughnessy clearly did, however, as he dressed down Wohleben for including the media. All three Democrats' responses appear below in their entireties and unedited. Wohleben's original email can be seen here. (link)

Rick Abbott

At 10:22 a.m. -- the exact moment the ENP story ran on Wohleben's email -- Abbott sent an email to Wohleben saying that his presence wasn't required for the meeting and that he did not have the "the authority to disqualify someone's signature or request." One of Wohleben's published concerns was that Alderwoman Anita Mullane's signature was on the request for the meeting. Wohleben took issue with that,"because Anita is a direct blood relative (to Lena Villella) and therefore she has a clear direct conflict of interest."

At 10:27 a.m., Mullane chimed in, noting that she has abstained from the votes in regards to the assessor's position "when I legally could have voted on some of them." She also states that the letter calling for the meeting was signed by four Council members.

Then, at 12:50 p.m., Alderman at Large Joe O'Shaughnessy backed up Abbott and Mullane, calling it "shameful that as Council President (Wohleben has) chosen to bash your fellow Council members in the media."

Dave,

Thanks for your input BUT:

1)  You as Council president have the right to cancel the meeting if not properly notified.

2)  A group of Council members can hold an open meeting at any given time that we desire as long as we conform with the Open Meeting Law.

3) The fact that an alderwoman has a relative in the employ of the City does not prevent her from participating in public forums in regards to the duties of a given job, especially a job the relative

does not hold. Although that presentation may be better served by a representative of the Civil Service.

4) As Council President you do not have the authority to disqualify someone's signature or request.

5)  Please remember the Ethics Committee is only a Committee and does not have any power in regards to policy. It can make recommendations but the final decision is made by the Council, the same as any other committee or Board.

6) If the Council decides to bring in outside people for consultation, I will rest assure you that it will be a committee of individuals that we all agree to, and the outside consulting will not be cherry picked.

7) Your presence is not required for all work meeting, open meetings or Council meetings.

Thanks,

-- Rick Abbott
-- Alderman 5th Ward

Dave,

Let me say I emphatically agree with the statements from my fellow Council members.  I find it shameful that as Council President you have chosen to bash your fellow Council members in the media.  Your statement sends a message to me that this is an early and defining moment of who is going to run this City.  This City is going to be run by the people.  Let me remind you that we have been elected by the people.  It has been stated by the Mayor that our current actions are clearly a step backwards financially, ethically and that we are simply not informed and have poor judgement.

Dave, what is the fear of bringing a staff member to address the Council on one of the most important Departments of the City?  This lingering question of mine is being brought about at the right time for the right reasons.

-- Alderman at Large
-- Joe O'Shaughnessy

Aldermen Mark Devine and Joe Oates -- both Republicans who voted for the creation of the assessor's position -- have not responded publicly to the exchange.

Whether the 4:45 p.m. Tuesday meeting will be held and whether it will include Villella remain to be seen at this point.

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Joe O'Shaughnessy

Following a veto of the move last week by Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey, Alderman-at-Large Joe O'Shaughnessy issued a press release Monday night defending the Common Council's 4-1 vote to hire a full-time city assessor, calling the measure "good business."

“In April 2015, I issued a  press release critical of the Mayor McCaffrey’s decision to then hire a part-time Assessor," O'Shaughnessy said in his release. "A full 10 months ago, I questioned paying someone $650 to work only one day per week; when we already had a long tenured employee who had done the job and who knew the workings of that department better than anyone. I said then, as a businessman, it just didn’t make any financial sense to me. Now, this mayor wants to pay someone with zero knowledge of the city, $72-plus dollars per hour, for his one day per week assignment. As someone responsible and experienced in running a business, this again makes no financial sense to me."

The Democrat went on to say, “I remind the mayor and the press of this fact because neither I nor my colleagues are new to the problems in the assessor’s office. We have done due diligence and purposely chose to act now in order to right the ship and not let that department become another disaster; as mayors Tucker and McCaffrey let happen to the Treasurer’s office which nearly led to our financial downfall."

O'Shaughnessy added, “There are two other important points that need to be made. First, the mayor’s and council president’s Wohleben’s belief that the assessor’s job can be done one day per week proves beyond any doubt they just don’t understand all the duties and responsibilities of that position. The assessor does a lot more than just sign the assessment rolls and represent the city at valuation appeals in small claims court. The assessor is charged with personally establishing property valuations and revaluations. There are 8,200 parcels in the city and the monthly volume of permits for new builds, additions, remodels and demolitions far exceeds what can be attended to one day per week. Add to that, meetings with taxpayers, realtors, lawyers and other duties such as filing reports, training and supervising appraisal staff; and it just can’t be done one day a week."

O’Shaughnessy said when campaigning he questioned what had been done in the assessor’s office since the last temporary appointment expired at the end of 2014. “Taxpayers should question whether new or changed parcels are being properly and timely valued. Are exemptions being reviewed or litigated matters settled? Are residential or commercial property owners apt to be overcharged because of an inaccurate equalization rate? Did we miss the chance to add to our total valuation. For the third year in a row, the city’s total property valuation has decreased. That’s a huge red flag.”

“The second point to consider is that the Council’s bipartisan approach actually saves taxpayer dollars and provides for greater productivity. The mayor wants to spend $30,000 for a temporary assessor plus fully fund the real property appraiser position for a total cost around $80,000 for 43 productive hours per week.  Again, I question whether any outside assessor can be productive with little or no knowledge of the city. The Council’s approach envisions the worker in the appraiser title being appointed full-time City Assessor, off of a Civil Service list, and then negotiates a stipend for them, in the $16, 000 to $18,000 range, to perform the essential duties of the Real Property Appraiser position simultaneous to being Assessor. Productivity, being the total number of hours per week devoted to assessor and real property appraiser duties, is far greater under the council’s approach than what the mayor would have you believe.”

O’Shaughnessy said the mayor’s claim of added legacy costs of a full-time assessor are false. “We already budget and pay for health insurance and retirement costs for the real property appraiser. Those costs will simply be shifted to the assessor line in the budget.”

He continued, “To me, the mayor’s veto is just another example of her wanting to understaff departments and cut budgets to the point where departments are non-functioning; then point fingers at workers and contract for services which can and should be kept in-house.”

“I will vote to override the mayor’s veto,” said O’Shaughnessy “because it makes financial sense and that’s what voters expect from the new council.”

He said he would urge his fellow council members to do the same.

“Voters threw out every alderperson except Anita Mullane for a reason," he said. “They are tired of rubber-stamp politics and demand a different approach to running this city.”

In addition, O’Shaughnessy said he will now call for an audit; to be conducted by the State Comptroller and the State Attorney General of both the Assessor’s Office and the City Treasurer’s Office. “Lockport taxpayers must know whether the financial and legal requirements of these offices have been fully met.”

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By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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Anne McCaffrey

Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey has issued her first veto as mayor, striking down a pair of resolutions approved Wednesday night by the Lockport Common Council.

The resolutions -- 012016.6 and 012016.8 -- would have rescinded a shared services agreement with Niagara Falls and created a full-time assessor's position for Lockport.

McCaffrey, in a release to the public, explained her reasoning for the rare veto, calling the resolutions "a step backwards financially and ethically."

Her announcement says the proposed Council changes would cost the city "in excess of $77,000 which includes pension and health care costs."

The bills were put forth by 5th Ward Alderman Rick Abbott and approved by a four-member majority of the Council with Alderwoman Anita Mullane abstaining from the votes. Council President Fourth-Ward Alderman David Wohleben cast the "no" vote.

Reached at home this evening, Abbott said the veto could be overridden. "If everybody stands their ground then the veto will be overturned." He added that Mullane could vote in the affirmative on the resolutions, making way for a 5-1 vote.

Mullane's position is unique in that it is her sister, Lena Villella, who could be appointed as the full-time assessor. Villella is the city appraiser and has filled in as acting assessor when it was needed previously. She has been a city employee nearly 30 years.

Abbott said he thinks that's the real rub. "It's very obvious that she doesn't want to hire the current appraiser as the assessor."

McCaffrey noted the familial relationship in her veto message.
Abbott said he believes the move could save the city money rather than costing money. It would save $30,000 by getting out of the shared services agreement with Niagara Falls. Approximately half of that savings would be put towards promoting Villella to the Assessor's post. While the city would then have to hire another person in the department, he said the city would then be able to share the position with another local municipality, negating the cost of the added personnel.

Whether of not the veto will be overridden -- and whether Mullane votes on the issue -- remains to be seen.

An attempt to reach McCaffrey for further comment was not immediately successful. Her prepared statement follows in its entirety.

To The Residents of the City of Lockport:

Today, I vetoed resolutions 012016.6 and 012016.8 sponsored by Alderman Abbott on January 20, 2016 and adopted by the Common Council. I did so because these actions are clearly a step backwards financially and ethically for the City of Lockport.  As I recently said in my inauguration speech, I will sound the alarm whenever I see a serious lapse in judgement and my responsibility is to you - our residents – to protect your hard earned dollars and to ensure that our city is run with the highest of ethics.

For the past 2 years, I have focused on putting our city back on the path to financial stability.  This required cost benefit analysis and a commitment to consider all options to ensure that our services are provided in the most cost efficient manner.  If there is a less expensive way to provide services, we must pursue that option.

Last year, the City entered into discussions with Niagara Falls for a shared services agreement for assessment services.  The agreement ensured that a qualified assessor will be in the City of Lockport weekly for the entire year, as compared to four months this past year.  The cost of this agreement is $30,000 per year.  I discussed this agreement in detail with our contact person at the New York State Financial Restructuring Board (FRB), who indicated to me that he was pleased to see Lockport pursuing shared assessment services.  He also said there was a very good chance that this type of shared services agreement would be supported and incentivized with an FRB grant to the City of Lockport and possibly Niagara Falls.  He told me that this type of action is what is necessary to increase efficiency and is an excellent step towards decreasing the cost of city government and emerging from fiscal distress.

However, the Common Council voted to abandon this shared services concept and to force Lockport out of this agreement.  With all due respect, the arguments some Common Council members provided are contradictory and simply not informed.

First, some Common Council members claim to like shared services – just not this one – a hypothetical one that doesn’t exist.  Second, they want a Full Time assessor in the City of Lockport – but state that we should share this person with another municipality.  So, if we share this person, then they aren’t full time for the City of Lockport, are they?  So which is it?  Third, in order to ensure that an employee of the department, who just happens to be Alderman Mullane’s sister, is the one protected and promoted, they want to create a third position in the department, which they claim will also save us money.   The math is simple - 3 people cost more than 2 people, especially when adding in the health care, pension and legacy costs. A full time assessor position with two support staff will increase the assessor's department budget line in excess of $77,000 which includes pension and health care costs over the shared services contract figure and this amounts to an almost 1% increase to taxpayers in future years’ budgets. Unfortunately, the city cannot afford reckless tax increases when a solid cost-effective alternative arrangement is available to the City.

In addition, the action to reduce the legal consultant line by more than half shows the Common Council’s intent that they do not want provide the essential resources and expertise to represent the city.  The New York State Comptroller’s Office approved the City’s 2016 budget after a careful review to ensure that each line was properly funded.  By drastically reducing the legal budget line, this action has in effect created an unbalanced budget and may cause the Comptroller’s Office to be concerned. In addition, Standard and Poor’s recently improved our bond rating to “stable” and indicated that this rating could be impacted by the new Common Council’s actions.  The ramifications could be far-reaching.

There are serious problems in this Common Council action.  In my opinion, it is financially irresponsible and a serious lapse in judgement to demand that an Alderman’s sister be promoted and financially benefit.  Isn’t this the type of behavior that gripped City Hall for decades and needs to stop?

If you agree with me that nepotism and fiscal irresponsibility should be a thing of the past, please call your alderman and let them know how you feel.

I respect our City Charter and the separation of powers between the branches of government which are provided for. So, please know that I will not stand by quietly and watch reckless and serious financial mistakes occur, without doing my part in using my executive powers, to sound the alarm to the taxpayers of our City when necessary.

--Anne E. McCaffrey
--Mayor of Lockport

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Lockport's Common Council will hold a Committee of the Whole work session on Tuesday at City Hall.

The session is designed to give the new Common Council an opportunity to review and discuss the agenda prior to Wednesday's Common Council meeting. Originally, the session was planned for 4 p.m., but scheduling conflicts may necessitate moving the rare afternoon meeting to another time during the day.

Typically Committee of the Whole sessions are held immediately preceding the regular Common Council meeting. In the past, they have been held in room M-24, behind the Common Council Chambers, however, in the interest of openness, the committee meetings will now also be held in Common Council Chambers, according to returning Second Ward Alderman Anita Mullane.

Only Mullane is returning to the Council. The city's other five Alderman are all new to their positions.

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Mayor Anne McCaffrey, center, is surrounded by family as she takes the oath of office Friday afternoon. Administering the oath is City Court Judge Bill Watson. (PHOTOS BY SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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Lockport Police and Fire department officials served as Honor Guard for the  afternoon ceremony.

Calling 2016 "a new chapter in our city's history," Anne McCaffrey was sworn in to her first full term of office as mayor, along with other newly elected officials and appointees during a special ceremony held at the Historic Palace Theatre Friday afternoon.

McCaffrey, one of only two incumbents re-elected in November, said the election's results meant city residents want change in city hall, but trusted her vision to "put our city back on track."

The Republican mayor, who must now work with a Common Council composed of three Democrats and three Republicans, as well as a Democrat treasurer, Sue Mawhiney, said she relishes the opportunity to work with the evenly split officials.

County legislators Keith McNall and Will Collins were also sworn in during the ceremony.

"I proudly accept this opportunity to work with all members of the Common Council and our new city treasurer to make our city stronger and to rebuild our city to attract more businesses and families back to our city," she said. "Lockport is like a big family. We are strong willed. We all believe we're right at first. We all have differences. But in the end, we stand together for the betterment and future success of our city. We all want the same thing. And that is what makes me excited and optimistic about working with this new team at city hall."

McCaffrey said steps have already been taken to right the city, noting a "new independent audit committee, non-partisan ethics reforms, and a new budget development process."

"The future is bright. And we've taken the steps to put us on the path to success," she continued.

City Treasurer Sue Mawhiney gives a brief speech during the ceremony.

Mawhiney said she looks forward "to tackling this new challenge," adding "Monday morning, I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work."

Fourth Ward Alderman David Wohleben was sworn in as Common Council president, a position McCaffrey once held herself. Wohleben thanked Fourth-Ward voters and congratulated his fellow aldermen on their elections.

RELATED LINKS: 

• Inauguration photo album
• Full inauguration video

Lockport Police Chief Mike Niethe is sworn in to office, surrounded by his family. Niethe takes over following the retirement of Larry Eggert.

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Anne McCaffrey is sworn in as 2nd Ward Alderman in this  January, 2014 file photo. On Friday, she will be sworn in to her first elected term as mayor of Lockport in a ceremony at the Palace Theatre. (ENP FILE PHOTO BY HEATHER N GRIMMER)

Lockport's latest batch of elected officials will be sworn in during a ceremonial inauguration to be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Historic Palace Theatre.

Mayor Anne McCaffrey will offer a speech during the ceremony in which she will be sworn in, along with Treasurer Sue Mawhiney, 1st Ward Alderman Joe Oates, 2nd Ward Alderwoman Anita Mullane, 3rd Ward Alderman Mark Devine, 4th Ward Alderman David Wohleben, 5th Ward Alderman Rick Abbott and Alderman at Large Joe O'Shaughnessy.

Only McCaffrey and Mullane are returning to their posts. The city's other five aldermen and treasurer are new to office.

Wohleben, one of three Republicans on the new Common Council will be given the position of Council President, a post McCaffrey held prior to her ascension to the mayor's spot when former Mayor Mike Tucker resigned in February of 2014.

Appointed officials are also expected to be sworn in during the ceremony, which is free and open to the public.

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I find it hypocritical the Democratic Party went out of it’s way to determine that Anita Mullane's opponent had outstanding taxes to pay, when Democratic City Chair and candidate Ed Tracy is in the same boat, owing almost $2,000 in back city taxes!

Tracy called the error an “oversight” and “inexcusable.” If his conduct is “inexcusable” now, what will his conduct be if elected?

It also shows little awareness of the challenges that many Lockportians and individuals throughout the United States are facing and trying to cope with daily. I would doubt that either had much experience in small business ownership and the struggles that have been imposed upon them by government at all levels. Small business owners often make daily decisions on which bills get paid. This doesn’t make them bad people or irresponsible financially. It’s a simple numbers game, you have a certain amount of money and bills and utility costs that continue to climb. Maria Updegraph and her husband took a risk, ended up having to spend more money than anticipated rehabbing a building, and it hasn’t paid back yet. That’s what small businesses are facing due to government spending, taxation, and regulation. This week two more businesses close on Main Street and Schimschacks, a long-time staple in the area.

Ironically, most of those that have laid their scourge upon her are the same folks that complain about rundown houses and buildings and nobody cleaning them up. I see few of them, buying up those properties and taking the same risk that Maria took. As they talk, she took action. Which is more important to you? Who has the bigger impact on a neighborhood, those that criticize and complain, or those that step up and risk their own money?

According to the City, there are many people that are behind on water bills, refuse bills, and taxes etc. So, I’d say that someone that has been in that same situation represents the people fairly well.

According to the Union Sun & Journal and the last City Council meeting, Anita Mullane was not available to receive nor did she proactively seek out information when she was expecting it, on a city contract agreement when the email was sent to wrong address. Whose responsibility is it to ensure that they have the info they need to vote on? But yet, she has plenty of time to research, with her city paid relative, the tax history of her opponent.  Lockport needs good government not poor politics. Let’s leave that to the State and Federal levels. They’re very good at it.

A simple look at Mrs. Mullane’s voting record will show who she’s truly looking after. Voters should take notice.

• for the SAFER Act Grant that the city would’ve been unable to afford post grant funding
• against the SAFER Act Grant that the city could ensure they could afford post funding
• against the reduction in pay to the Treasurer 
• against the Director of Finance position 

The Treasurer’s salary in 2006 was $45,000 per year. It is currently at $83,000. How many private sector jobs in this city have had their salaries nearly doubled in the last nine years? It is completely illogical to have the main individual responsible for the financial welfare of the City in the hands of someone that won a glorified popularity contest. How many voters are aware of a candidate’s credentials that make them qualified for this job? Having a hired position, based on merit, not popularity is just logical.

The SAFER Grant has been an issue of a lot of contention in the City as of late. The original grant, which Mullane supported, was written for four. What happens after the grant runs out in two years? We bring in four firemen and in two years either through attrition or through layoffs we’re right back where we are today. The LFD will be understaffed and the City will have no money to do anything about it. Do we really want to be in the same place, fighting the same fight two years from now?

So, Anita’s voting record is thus, she’s against taking steps, getting the right people in place to help fix the financial problems, against bringing in one firefighter using grant money, that we pay for anyway, that can help with staffing and yet still be affordable for the city once the grant funding runs out. And she’s for keeping the status quo and short-sighted legislating from crisis to crisis. We need to remain focused on the long-term stability and growth.

-- Talan J. Pomeroy is a City of Lockport resident

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East Niagara Post will publish election-related letters to the editor through Monday evening.
Send letters to the editor to news@eastniagarapost.com with name and contact information.
To ensure publication, letters should be received no later than noon Monday.

The Lockport firefighters fully support and endorse Anita Mullane.

You may recently have received a political mailer attacking Mrs. Mullane for her vote on the SAFER grant.  Some people have mistakenly assumed that mailer was sent by the Lockport Firefighters or their supporters. This is untrue. The mailer, which has no information identifying who sent or paid for it was most likely sent by her Republican opponent Maria Updegraph. This anonymous mailer is not only a political dirty trick but it is illegal under New York State election law.

The truth of the matter is that Anita Mullane made a motion to apply for a SAFER grant that would bring back four fully paid firefighters at no cost to the City. This would have been a great savings for a fiscally stressed City. This motion was defeated 4-3 with Alderman at Large Joe Kibler and Mayor Anne McCaffrey voting against it. The Council then passed the motion to apply for one firefighter position. Anita voted against this as a protest. The application for one position was a blatant political move on the part of the administration to apply for the grant due to public pressure but to do the minimum to positively affect the Fire Department or public safety. The City’s high priced attorneys publicly stated that applying for a grant for four firefighters would hurt the City in its court challenge against the fire fighters union.

The Lockport Firefighters fully support Anita’s position and in no way see her vote as being against the Firefighters. Anita is often left standing alone in support of public safety.

What is more offensive is the nerve of Mrs. Updegraph to attempt to use the firefighters to advance her own political campaign and agenda when she applauded the council vote that abolished five firefighter positions. It is one thing to support a cut but it is utterly tasteless to publicly clap when five people lose their jobs.

The Lockport Firefighters ask you to support Anita Mullane and send the message that illegal political dirty tricks must stop.

-- Kevin W Pratt is president of Lockport Professional Firefighters Association Local 963

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Catch up quick

with East Niagara Radio news podcasts. 

In an act of desperation an anonymous source sent postcards to second ward residents on Monday accusing incumbent alderwoman Anita Mullane of putting politics over people, turning her back on firefighters, and all in all, taking her stance on the issue of February’s SAFER grant completely out of context. Though sent anonymously, the mailer has the same postal permit number as mail previously sent from Mullane’s opponent.

With election day coming up it’s important for voters to know that everything these postcards states is completely bogus. I was at the common council meeting when the council voted on the grant and even wrote an article for the newspapers about it because I was absolutely floored by the level of incompetence of Lockport's "leaders." Mullane was by far the most vocal representative in favor of the grant, urging fellow council members to vote for the grant in it's highest priority of re-hiring laid off firefighters, which they completely dropped the ball on. The fire department could have received a much more substantial amount of money but the mayor broke a 3-3 tie by casting a vote to oppose the grant in it’s highest priority.

The postcard quotes Mullane, “[I think our chances are greatly diminished] I don’t know why we’d bother applying.” I read the grant, and it makes complete sense that she would say that she didn't know why we would bother applying for the grant under the second premise; Why would we bother to apply to bring back one person due to attrition when we could apply (and without a doubt would have won because we were extremely qualified for) to bring back at least four people due to economic circumstance? An obvious spin of the truth, the postcards do not include the rest of Mullane’s quote, “The whole purpose was to try and bring back four guys ... totally paid for. This was a nice thing.”

To the person who made this pathetic piece of GOP trash propaganda, you really said it right there in the third paragraph: It simply doesn't make sense. It states that Mullane’s vote “will actually reduce the number of firefighters protecting us and make sure they don’t have the tools to do the job.” Even if it were her true stance, firefighters and their tools would not be reduced by not getting extra grant money. Anyway, the only one reducing firefighters around here is McCaffrey, after a pipe dream of her father's that is impractically trying to model Lockport after North Tonawanda’s combination fire department.

In February’s meeting, McCaffrey said that her hands were tied and that she could not support the grant in it’s priority due to “financial reasons.” It should be known that the grant stated that the situation regarding layoffs would be revisited after the grant performance period was over, and firefighters could face being laid off again. However, it would have created a safer community and alleviated overtime costs for at least two years.

I look forward to having an all new council very soon, with the exception of Anita Mullane, the only council member who is not part of the problem. No one else up there seems to have the brain, heart, or courage to do the right thing.

-- Lyndsey Devine is a City of Lockport resident

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Anita Mullane

A fundraiser will be held for 2nd-Ward Alderwoman Anita Mullane at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 the UAW Hall, 524 Walnut St.

Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple, which includes food, drink, and a basket raffle. They may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 213-3468 or 433-3015. Checks may be made payable to Louise Kern, 7 Leander Way, E. Amherst, NY 14051.

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Anita Mullane

The Lockport Common Council took its final public step tonight in effectively demoting the position of city treasurer.

The Council voted in May to reduce the duties of the position of treasurer, giving many of those tasks to the newly-created position of Director of Finance. Tonight's vote reduces the salary to $55,000 to coincide with the reduced job duties.

The reduction was opposed by only 2nd Ward Alderwoman Anita Mullane, who said she cast the "nay" vote after consulting her constituents.

"I wasn't comfortable with it because the treasurer is elected by the public and accountable to the public," she said, adding that shifting the duties to the director of finance — a position that is accountable to the mayor's office — strips the voters of their power.

"There's a reason why some of these offices are elected," Mullane said.

Mike White

Alderman John Lombardi, who had previously abstained on treasurer-related votes due to a short-lived candidacy for that office, voted with the majority to reduce the salary.

In November, the voters will decide whether to approve the reduction in duties requested by the Common Council.

A call to current City Treasurer Mike White was not immediately returned tonight, but he has been on record as opposing both the reduction of duties and salary.

White will face Sue A. Mawhiney in the general election Nov. 3.

RELATED LINKS: 

• White questions changes in treasurer's post
• Mawhiney announces for City Treasurer

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Anita Mullane

Second-Ward Alderwoman Anita Mullane will hold a ward meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Lockport Public Library Community Meeting Room.

Mullane says the city's fire and police departments will have representatives at the meeting.

"I look forward to personally hearing residents concerns and encourage them to attend," Mullane said.

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Anita Mullane

Second-Ward Alderwoman Anita Mullane re-election announced her candidacy for re-election to the seat.

Mullane, who won a special election to take the seat vacated by Ron Franco at the end of 2014, called for greater transparency and promised to delve deeper into the city's financial issues if re-elected.

The lifetime Lockport resident has been endorsed by the city and county Democratic committees, as well as the Working Families Party.

Mullane's announcement follows in its entirety:

Anita Mullane announces her candidacy for re-election as 2nd Ward Alderwoman in the City of Lockport.

“I have determined that there is much to be done and I am therefore seeking a full term as Alderman of the 2nd Ward. I joined the Council after the deficit financing was sought from New York State and I need more time to help solve the problems we are facing. Upon taking office I personally met with department heads and many employees at City Hall to get an understanding of how each department runs and their strengths and deficiencies in order to better serve the people of Lockport. Each of my constituents is important to me. I have personally contacted or visited everyone who has reached out to me with a problem since I took office in January. There is a greater need for transparency and accountability at City Hall and I am committed to providing both. Essential services such as fire and police protection and safe streets and clean water are what our tax dollars should be directed towards. I am concerned about the City’s finances and would like the chance to delve deeper into the situation during a full term. A major part of my job is being responsive to the needs of my constituents and I have done that.  I hear you and understand your concerns.  I intend to continue to listen and to act on your behalf. I am very honored to have been elected to serve as your Alderwoman of the 2nd Ward and with your support would like to continue to represent you."

Mullane is a lifelong resident of the City of Lockport and resides on Lindhurst Drive with her husband of 32 years, Daniel. They have three children, Kimberly, John (Amanda), and Jessica. She has been a Math Teaching Assistant for the Lockport City School District for the past fifteen years and is a longtime member of the Lockport Education Association Executive Board, NYSUT, and All Saints Parish. Mullane attended Lockport Senior High School and SUNY Brockport majoring in Political Science and is an honorary life member of PTA and past PTSA President at Emmet Belknap School. Mullane served on the Lockport High School Foundation Board of Directors for 6 years and she was the recipient of the 2013 NYSUT Local Leadership Award and a 2014 YWCA of Niagara Women of Distinction nominee. Mullane has been endorsed by the Niagara County Democratic Party, the City of Lockport Democratic Party and the Working Family Party.

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By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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To zip or not to zip? That is the question City of Lockport residents will have an opportunity to address during a public hearing on June 17.

The Lockport Common Council voted tonight to schedule the public hearing required prior to any vote the Council could take on the Erie Canal zip line proposed by the owners of the Lockport Caves and Underground Boat Rides.

The plan calls for two zip lines — one going from the north side of the canal south to a platform on the escarpment, and a second going from that platform back to the north side. The launch point would be on the Caves' property, while the south platform and second north platform would be on property owned by the New York State Canal Corp.

Lockport Caves and Underground Boat Rides Tom Callahan said they had originally hoped to be open for business in time for the sesquicentennial.

"I don't know if that's possible now," he said. "But we're working on it." A more likely outcome is an Aug. 1 opening, he said.

He called the zip line a one-of-a-kind attraction. "And it'll be the only ride in the 900 miles of Canal property in the entire state."

Callahan said his company has existing licenses and permits with the state and has been discussing with Thruway Authority officials how to amend those licenses and permits to allow for the zip line. The Thruway Authority oversees the Canal Corp.

Callahan said there remain hoops to jump through but he's confident he'll get the outcome he's hoping for in the timetable he's set out. First, he said, he needed local approval — including that of the Common Council.

"There's a lot of hoops to jump through. But before we started spending big money, we had to know we had some support," he said.

He has the support of at least two aldermen — Fourth-Ward Alerman Pat Schrader and Third-Ward Alderman Kitty Fogle. Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey has also publicly announced her support.

Second-Ward Alderwoman Anita Mullane said tonight that she's taking a wait-and-see approach.
"I've always encouraged the public to reach out to me and tell me their thoughts on things," she said. "I would like to hear from the residents in my ward (before deciding) because that's who I represent."

He said the zip line has been three years in the making thus far but will be completed soon with the help of a consultant who's being brought in to help make it a reality.

"This guy is the best in the world at what he does," Callahan said.

Callahan didn't address specifics in terms of pricing for the attraction but said, "It's going to be affordable."

RELATED LINK:

• Zip line planned for Erie Canal

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Joe O'Shaughnessy

Local business owner and former school board member Joe O'Shaughnessy has announced his candidacy for Lockport Common Council Alderman at Large.

O'Shaughnessy, a Democrat, said Mayor Anne McCaffrey and the current Common Council — with the exception of fellow Democrat Anita Mullane — are guilty of reckless spending and depriving the community of a professional ambulance service at the Lockport Fire Dept.

O'Shaughnessy's announcement of candidacy follows below in its entirety.

R. Joseph O’Shaughnessy, local businessman and owner of Oak Run Golf Club in Lockport has announced his candidacy for Alderman at Large in the city of Lockport. O’Shaughnessy, a former School Board Trustee is a Democrat and lifelong resident of Lockport. He holds a BA in Public Relations from Bowling Green State University. He is a past President of the WNY PGA of America and an inductee to the PGA Hall of Fame. He also served on the National PGA Board of Directors as chair of the Employment committee.

“We have been nailed with a ten percent increase in property taxes. We are paying more and getting less. With the exception of newly elected Alderwoman Anita Mullane, the current council and Mayor are the same people who recklessly spent our money.

Taxpayers in Lockport paid to train one of the most competent emergency response units in the state. The current administration destroyed this unit and has deprived this community of their services.  We need to bring back the professional ambulance service. When asked about other concerns he stated “the need for term limits for elected officials, leading to more competitive races, which will force candidates to be more responsive to the needs of voters.”

O’Shaughnessy believes the city needs a five-year financial projection, not the need for more accountants and accounting committees. “Most importantly, the morale of our city employees is at an all-time low.  It is time to open the lines of communication and work together to restore this community to its past dignity. As voters and taxpayers, we deserve better.”

The city is celebrating its 150th Birthday. “My grandfather, Timothy J. O’Shaughnessy was an alderman during Lockport’s early years, he cared about this fine city and served with distinction,” said O’Shaughnessy.

From 1870 to present, the O’Shaughnessy family has been committed to making Lockport a better place. With your support, I will do the same.

Joe and his wife Brenda of 38 years have two daughters and two grandsons.

The current alderman at large is Republican Joe Kibler. He has not publicly declared his candidacy for re-election.

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The Lockport Common Council voted Wednesday night against a grant that could have temporarily bolstered the size of the city fire department.

The "Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response" grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency would have allowed the city to temporarily return four laid-off firefighters to active status, had the grant been applied for and approved.

Instead, the Common Council — by a 4-2 vote — directed Acting Fire Chief Pat Brady to apply for a different category of grant aimed at retention. There's no guarantee that the city will be the recipient of the retention grant. In fact, some officials said Wednesday night that the odds are so low that it's useless to bother applying.

The vote on returning four of the five laid-off firefighters was split evenly among the city's six Common Council Members with Kitty Fogle joining Pat Schrader and Anita Mullane in supporting the issue and Aldermen Ken Genewick, Joe Kibler and John Lombardi opposing it.

Mayor Anne McCaffrey had to break the tie. She did so in opposition to the grant, stating that it came with strings attached that the city may not be able to afford.

City politicians and the city's fire department union have been at odds for years about a variety of matters, most notably the size of the department itself. In October, the city defunded five firefighter positions from the budget following a buyout offer that the fire department union rejected.

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Alderman-elect Anita Mullane issued a statement to the press this morning following her determined victory in the 2nd Ward alderman's race.

After absentee ballots were counted this morning, giving her a 587-581 edge in the race, Mullane pulled a letter out and handed it to the press, saying she had prepared two letters. The one she distributed —written in case of victory — follows below in its entirety.

I am gratified to know that the citizens of the Second Ward have spoken, and chosen me to represent them. I want to assure all of them that I intend to fight for the return of our wonderful city to financial stability.

I owe thanks to so many people, my loving husband Dan, our wonderful children and my whole family, who could not have been more supportive and inspiring. My friends — they know who they are — I would not be here without their selfless dedication.

I want to thank the many citizens of my ward that I met face-to-face while campaigning. Regardless of political affiliation, I was always greeted with warmth and respect. I would like to think I've made a number of new friends.

I ran for office to help turn our city in a positive direction — not to wage a political vendetta. I am looking forward to meeting with Mayor McCaffrey as soon as possible, and I hope this marks the beginning of a cordial and productive partnership.

I urge my fellow Second Ward residents to contact me with their ideas and concerns. I am committed to better government, more transparent government, and a brighter future for the city we all love.

— Anita Mullane

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From left, attorney Allen Miskell, Anita Mullane, attorney J.R. Drexelius Jr., Republican Deputy Elections Commissioner Mike Carney, and Democratic board of elections clerk Lisa Gianquinto count absentee ballots this morning at the Niagara County Board of Elections. (HEATHER N. GRIMMER / ENP  PHOTOGRAPHER)

After a count of absentee ballots this morning at the Niagara County Board of Elections, it has been confirmed that Anita Mullane will be the new alderman in the city's 2nd Ward.

Mullane, a Democrat, held an election-night lead over Republican Patrick Feeley by a count of 556 votes to 534. However, there were still 75 ballots to count and 45 of them had been filed by registered Republicans, while only 20 were filed by Democrats, according to the Niagara County Board of Elections. Three were cast by registered Conservatives, four from people registered with the Independence Party and another three from voters with no affiliation.

If votes had broken down purely by party affiliation, Feeley would have won the seat, but as is the case in election-day votes, absentee ballot votes don't always break by party affiliation — although they do sometimes hold closer to them, as was the case this morning.

Mullane got an additional 31 votes from the absentee ballots, while Feeley picked up another 47. One ballot had no vote in the race, a pair — one for each candidate — were not cast properly, and four others had issues that needed to be resolved by the elections commissioners. However, they won't impact the end result of the race, which is a Mullane victory.

"There's not enough in there to make a difference," said John R. Drexelius Jr., the attorney representing Feeley during the vote count.

"That was a nail biter," Mullane said. She issued a statement on her victory, thanking her supporters and vowing to fight to return the city to financial stability.

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