Social Connect
Upcoming Events
Showing posts with label Bill Ross. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bill Ross. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
WHEATFIELD -- Bridgestone APM Company, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the largest tire and rubber manufacturer in the world, will invest $13.6 million to construct a new 65,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Niagara County, it was announced today.
The new facility will be built on an 11-acre site in the Vantage International Point industrial park on Inducon Parkway. This investment is projected to create 89 new jobs within five years and receive up to $1.2 million in Excelsior tax credits from Empire State Development Corporation.
“The Vantage International Point industrial park is proving to be an excellent draw for new businesses," said Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross. "I applaud collaborative work that was done to attract Bridgestone to Niagara County. We look forward to having the Bridgestone jobs and a facility that will make us proud for years to come. ”
“This new facility will create jobs and bring private investment and economic opportunity throughout the region,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “I am proud to welcome Bridgestone APM to Niagara and I look forward to seeing the manufacturing sector continue to thrive in Western New York for years to come.”
The is projected to be an investment of $6.5 million for the Western New York developer, the Montante Group. BAPM will lease the building from the Montante Group and expects to invest an additional $7.1 million in machinery and equipment to create 89 new jobs within 5 years. Bridgestone APM Company will use the new plant to produce polyurethane foam used in car seats. Much of the product will be exported to Canada for its automotive market.
Howard Zemsky, ESD President and CEO said: “I can’t think of a better place than Niagara County for a world-renowned company, like Bridgestone, to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. Western New York’s revival and proximity to Canada was a distinct advantage in beating other states that were vigorously competing for the new facility and the dozens of jobs it will bring.”
Operations at the new facility are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2017. Full production is projected to be online in the June to August timeframe of the same year.
Other support for the project includes tax incentives from the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency that are estimated to save the company almost $3.2 million over the 15-year life of the abatement. A grant of up to $750,000 from the New York State Office of Community Renewal will be used to offset a portion of the cost of machinery and equipment to support the project.
“The NCIDA successfully competed with other counties and was able to be a part of an incentive package that attracted a company that will provide 89 people with good paying jobs," according to NCIDA Chairman Henry M. Sloma. "Our international location and aggressive attraction efforts will continue to bring companies to Niagara County."
State Sen. Rob Ortt added, "Bridgestone is a company that any state would be proud to have, which is why we are pleased they are building a multi-million dollar facility in Niagara County. The automotive industry has played an important role in our region’s past, so it's fitting that Bridgestone is creating a modern factory that will rely on our strong, local workforce. These are the quality jobs we need to strengthen our local economy."
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
news@eastniagarapost.com
WHEATFIELD -- Bridgestone APM Company, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the largest tire and rubber manufacturer in the world, will invest $13.6 million to construct a new 65,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Niagara County, it was announced today.
“The Vantage International Point industrial park is proving to be an excellent draw for new businesses," said Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross. "I applaud collaborative work that was done to attract Bridgestone to Niagara County. We look forward to having the Bridgestone jobs and a facility that will make us proud for years to come. ”
The is projected to be an investment of $6.5 million for the Western New York developer, the Montante Group. BAPM will lease the building from the Montante Group and expects to invest an additional $7.1 million in machinery and equipment to create 89 new jobs within 5 years. Bridgestone APM Company will use the new plant to produce polyurethane foam used in car seats. Much of the product will be exported to Canada for its automotive market.
Howard Zemsky, ESD President and CEO said: “I can’t think of a better place than Niagara County for a world-renowned company, like Bridgestone, to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. Western New York’s revival and proximity to Canada was a distinct advantage in beating other states that were vigorously competing for the new facility and the dozens of jobs it will bring.”
Operations at the new facility are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2017. Full production is projected to be online in the June to August timeframe of the same year.
Other support for the project includes tax incentives from the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency that are estimated to save the company almost $3.2 million over the 15-year life of the abatement. A grant of up to $750,000 from the New York State Office of Community Renewal will be used to offset a portion of the cost of machinery and equipment to support the project.
“The NCIDA successfully competed with other counties and was able to be a part of an incentive package that attracted a company that will provide 89 people with good paying jobs," according to NCIDA Chairman Henry M. Sloma. "Our international location and aggressive attraction efforts will continue to bring companies to Niagara County."
State Sen. Rob Ortt added, "Bridgestone is a company that any state would be proud to have, which is why we are pleased they are building a multi-million dollar facility in Niagara County. The automotive industry has played an important role in our region’s past, so it's fitting that Bridgestone is creating a modern factory that will rely on our strong, local workforce. These are the quality jobs we need to strengthen our local economy."
Check out East Niagara Post videos on YouTube, Vine and Periscope.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
RAPIDS -- Niagara County Conservative Party Chairman Daniel Weiss was unanimously re-elected as Conservative Party chief at a heavily-attended organizational meeting at Rapids Fire Hall.
With nearly 100 committee members from across Niagara County in attendance at the Oct. 6 event, a ticket headed by Weiss and Vice Chairman Bill Ross — the New York State Conservative Party’s highest elected official in Western New York — was supported without opposition.
“We’ve worked hard these past few years to present a credible message about limited government, individual liberty and commitment to Constitutional principles,” Weiss said after the election. “Niagara County’s Conservative Party continues to be the strongest voice locally demanding government adhere to those values.”
Weiss said the vote by a unified party leaves him energized a month before November’s elections.
“We are, as a party, backing a great slate of candidates that are committed to the Conservative message of small government and respect for individual rights,” Weiss said. “We expect Conservative-supported candidates will have a great election night this year. We’re certainly going to work hard to make sure that happens.”
Weiss and Ross jointly thanked committee members for their support, with Ross saying, “We’re gratified that our fellow Conservatives continue to place their confidence in us, and we’ll make sure we continue to earn it.”
news@eastniagarapost.com
With nearly 100 committee members from across Niagara County in attendance at the Oct. 6 event, a ticket headed by Weiss and Vice Chairman Bill Ross — the New York State Conservative Party’s highest elected official in Western New York — was supported without opposition.
“We’ve worked hard these past few years to present a credible message about limited government, individual liberty and commitment to Constitutional principles,” Weiss said after the election. “Niagara County’s Conservative Party continues to be the strongest voice locally demanding government adhere to those values.”
Weiss said the vote by a unified party leaves him energized a month before November’s elections.
“We are, as a party, backing a great slate of candidates that are committed to the Conservative message of small government and respect for individual rights,” Weiss said. “We expect Conservative-supported candidates will have a great election night this year. We’re certainly going to work hard to make sure that happens.”
Weiss and Ross jointly thanked committee members for their support, with Ross saying, “We’re gratified that our fellow Conservatives continue to place their confidence in us, and we’ll make sure we continue to earn it.”
Catch up quick
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
By +Scott Leffler
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
WHEATFIELD — The Niagara County Sheriff's Office is investigating an explosion overnight at the home of Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross.
Police found Ross' stepson, 44-year-old Michael C. O’Neill — a former employee of the Niagara County Jail — with a "catastrophic injury to his foot." They also found bomb-making equipment.
"There was like powder and so forth. Cylinders to put it in. That sort of stuff," said Niagara County Sheriff Jim Voutour. He added, "That all has to be tested and confirmed but it was enough suspiction for us to move forward."
The Niagara County Sheriff's Office Criminal Division is now investigating the incident with he help of the Erie County Bomb Squad, ATF and FBI.
Police say the female 911 caller was providing first aid by applying direct pressure to the injury when they arrived. Mercy Flight responded and transported O'Neill to ECMC.
Voutour said the man's injuries are bad, but said, "I don't think it's life threatening."
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
WHEATFIELD — The Niagara County Sheriff's Office is investigating an explosion overnight at the home of Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross.
Police found Ross' stepson, 44-year-old Michael C. O’Neill — a former employee of the Niagara County Jail — with a "catastrophic injury to his foot." They also found bomb-making equipment.
"There was like powder and so forth. Cylinders to put it in. That sort of stuff," said Niagara County Sheriff Jim Voutour. He added, "That all has to be tested and confirmed but it was enough suspiction for us to move forward."
The Niagara County Sheriff's Office Criminal Division is now investigating the incident with he help of the Erie County Bomb Squad, ATF and FBI.
Police say the female 911 caller was providing first aid by applying direct pressure to the injury when they arrived. Mercy Flight responded and transported O'Neill to ECMC.
Voutour said the man's injuries are bad, but said, "I don't think it's life threatening."
Get breaking news delivered.
with the ENP Mobile app for Android.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross, who is leaving office at the end of his current term, was honored last night as his Legislature colleagues voted unanimously to name a newly-acquired county building after him.
Ross, C-Wheatfield, affectionately known as “the Coach” to everyone from county legislators to his former Niagara-Wheatfield students, leaves office Dec. 31. The next day, the county’s newly-acquired Social Services building, located at 20-40 East Ave. in Lockport, will be renamed The William L. Ross County Office Building.
As a prelude to the unanimous vote, Legislator Kathryn L. Lance, R-Wheatfield, chief sponsor of the resolution renaming the office complex, noted that Ross, the longest serving chairman in Legislature history, “served as a lawmaker when both the Democrats and the Republicans have been in control ... and though he himself, over time, shifted parties, I think all who know him know that he has never shifted his values.”
Lance was one of several lawmakers to praise the outgoing chairman, who despite coming up on his 82nd birthday maintains an extremely full schedule that takes him from one end of the county to the other, as well as conferences around the state to advocate for county government priorities. Several privately noted that they, despite being much younger than Ross, could hardly keep pace with the retiring chairman’s schedule.
Lance’s resolution also sets aside the first week in January 2016 as “William L. Ross Week” in Niagara County and schedules a formal dedication of the Ross Building for Jan. 4.
Lance praised Ross for his leadership in the county, advocating not only for the successful policies of the county government, but also for both ongoing efforts to protect the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station from closure and to grow the Niagara County Community College, where he serves as a trustee.
As seeming proof of Ross’s role as an advocate for the college, lawmakers Tuesday also advanced a key measure supporting the college’s Learning Commons project, a $25 million joint state/county construction initiative at NCCC that will include upgrades and renovation of the college library, a child development center, and a faculty resource center.
“Bill has been a fierce advocate for the college on its board,” Lance said, noting that, in addition to the Learning Commons, Ross had also been instrumental in the decision to locate the NCCC Culinary Institute in downtown Niagara Falls, where it replaced a deserted shopping mall.
Majority Leader Rick Updegrove, R-Lockport, praised Ross for being a leader and a friend to so many of his colleagues, before focusing on Ross’s record of accomplishments.
“In 2004, county taxes were 12 percent higher,” Updegrove said, praising Ross for helping advance fiscally conservative reductions in the local share of government spending. “We also reduced the size of this government by 16 percent. You have been a leader in that effort, all while being a strong voice to preserve vital services.”
Updegrove also lamented the coming shift in county government’s leadership.
“Honestly, I have a hard time imagining the first meeting in January, because you have been such a leader, such a mainstay, that I can’t even imagine what a post-Bill Ross era will be like,” Updegrove said.
Both lawmakers also pointed to Ross’s constant willingness to share his knowledge and to entertain friendly argument and debate in what Updegrove called the “rare—exceedingly rare instances when we haven’t been on the same side of an issue.”
Lance noted that, as a county lawmaker representing Wheatfield, Ross had taken her under his wing during her first run for office, and afterwards as a freshman legislator, both showing her the ropes of the legislative process and helping her make critical contacts in county, state, and town government. She then noted her experience was not very different than that of her peers.
“I know that you find it awkward presiding over this discussion about naming a building after yourself,” Lance told Ross, “but I know that every person in this room loves you and wishes you well.”
Updegrove agreed.
“This honor is the least—the very least—this body can do to thank you for all you have done for Niagara,” Updegrove said.
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
| Bill Ross |
Ross, C-Wheatfield, affectionately known as “the Coach” to everyone from county legislators to his former Niagara-Wheatfield students, leaves office Dec. 31. The next day, the county’s newly-acquired Social Services building, located at 20-40 East Ave. in Lockport, will be renamed The William L. Ross County Office Building.
As a prelude to the unanimous vote, Legislator Kathryn L. Lance, R-Wheatfield, chief sponsor of the resolution renaming the office complex, noted that Ross, the longest serving chairman in Legislature history, “served as a lawmaker when both the Democrats and the Republicans have been in control ... and though he himself, over time, shifted parties, I think all who know him know that he has never shifted his values.”
Lance was one of several lawmakers to praise the outgoing chairman, who despite coming up on his 82nd birthday maintains an extremely full schedule that takes him from one end of the county to the other, as well as conferences around the state to advocate for county government priorities. Several privately noted that they, despite being much younger than Ross, could hardly keep pace with the retiring chairman’s schedule.
Lance’s resolution also sets aside the first week in January 2016 as “William L. Ross Week” in Niagara County and schedules a formal dedication of the Ross Building for Jan. 4.
Lance praised Ross for his leadership in the county, advocating not only for the successful policies of the county government, but also for both ongoing efforts to protect the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station from closure and to grow the Niagara County Community College, where he serves as a trustee.
As seeming proof of Ross’s role as an advocate for the college, lawmakers Tuesday also advanced a key measure supporting the college’s Learning Commons project, a $25 million joint state/county construction initiative at NCCC that will include upgrades and renovation of the college library, a child development center, and a faculty resource center.
“Bill has been a fierce advocate for the college on its board,” Lance said, noting that, in addition to the Learning Commons, Ross had also been instrumental in the decision to locate the NCCC Culinary Institute in downtown Niagara Falls, where it replaced a deserted shopping mall.
Majority Leader Rick Updegrove, R-Lockport, praised Ross for being a leader and a friend to so many of his colleagues, before focusing on Ross’s record of accomplishments.
“In 2004, county taxes were 12 percent higher,” Updegrove said, praising Ross for helping advance fiscally conservative reductions in the local share of government spending. “We also reduced the size of this government by 16 percent. You have been a leader in that effort, all while being a strong voice to preserve vital services.”
Updegrove also lamented the coming shift in county government’s leadership.
“Honestly, I have a hard time imagining the first meeting in January, because you have been such a leader, such a mainstay, that I can’t even imagine what a post-Bill Ross era will be like,” Updegrove said.
Both lawmakers also pointed to Ross’s constant willingness to share his knowledge and to entertain friendly argument and debate in what Updegrove called the “rare—exceedingly rare instances when we haven’t been on the same side of an issue.”
Lance noted that, as a county lawmaker representing Wheatfield, Ross had taken her under his wing during her first run for office, and afterwards as a freshman legislator, both showing her the ropes of the legislative process and helping her make critical contacts in county, state, and town government. She then noted her experience was not very different than that of her peers.
“I know that you find it awkward presiding over this discussion about naming a building after yourself,” Lance told Ross, “but I know that every person in this room loves you and wishes you well.”
Updegrove agreed.
“This honor is the least—the very least—this body can do to thank you for all you have done for Niagara,” Updegrove said.
Get breaking news delivered.
with the ENP Mobile app for Android.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
NIAGARA FALLS — The Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp. is celebrating hospitality employees and their contribution to the area's tourism with a day of appreciation on Wednesday.
Members from NTCC’s government partners: Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster, North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur Pappas, and Niagara County Legislature Chairman William Ross will all be on hand to present proclamations at the 12:30 p.m. event at the Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls, 101 Old Falls St.
Tourism is the second largest employer in Niagara County, employing approximately 14,200 people or 20% of the total workforce.
The event is free of charge and includes food and entertainment provided by Niagara County businesses and organizations.
news@eastniagarapost.com
Members from NTCC’s government partners: Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster, North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur Pappas, and Niagara County Legislature Chairman William Ross will all be on hand to present proclamations at the 12:30 p.m. event at the Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls, 101 Old Falls St.
Tourism is the second largest employer in Niagara County, employing approximately 14,200 people or 20% of the total workforce.
The event is free of charge and includes food and entertainment provided by Niagara County businesses and organizations.
Get breaking news delivered.
with the ENP Mobile app for Android.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
WHEATFIELD — Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross will relinquish his leadership role at the end of the 2015 calendar year.
Ross has been elected chairman of the Niagara County Legislature a record 11 times. He said he believes it is time to pass his duties and responsibilities as a county legislator to a new person who will bring new ideas, initiatives and energy to Niagara County’s government.
“I have been privileged to lead an excellent county government for many years,” Ross said. “I am especially thankful for the support I have received from my legislative colleagues, especially over the last 12 years when I served in leadership positions.”
Ross, a registered Conservative, has served residents in the Towns of Niagara, Lewiston and Wheatfield. He began his elected career as a councilman in the Town of Niagara 35 years ago, moving to Wheatfield after the completion of his Niagara term. Over the course of his 30-year public service career, he has won elections as a county legislator and a Wheatfield town councilman.
news@eastniagarapost.com
|
| Bill Ross |
Ross has been elected chairman of the Niagara County Legislature a record 11 times. He said he believes it is time to pass his duties and responsibilities as a county legislator to a new person who will bring new ideas, initiatives and energy to Niagara County’s government.
“I have been privileged to lead an excellent county government for many years,” Ross said. “I am especially thankful for the support I have received from my legislative colleagues, especially over the last 12 years when I served in leadership positions.”
Ross, a registered Conservative, has served residents in the Towns of Niagara, Lewiston and Wheatfield. He began his elected career as a councilman in the Town of Niagara 35 years ago, moving to Wheatfield after the completion of his Niagara term. Over the course of his 30-year public service career, he has won elections as a county legislator and a Wheatfield town councilman.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
 |
Niagara County Legislature Chairman William L. Ross, C-Wheatfield, discusses the Buffalo-Niagara Partnership's 2015 Regional Agenda following a Thursday press conference. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
|
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
BUFFALO — The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station was announced as a top priority of an influential Western New York government liaison group Thursday night.
The Buffalo-Niagara Partnership said at a press conference in overlooking Coca Cola Field that the air base and the extension of the Brownfield Cleanup Program are among the region's top concerns for 2015.
Niagara County lawmakers heartily agreed.
Niagara County Legislature Chairman William Ross, said, “The Niagara Falls Air Base has always been a top concern for this County Legislature, and the longstanding and significant financial support we have provided to efforts like the Niagara Military Affairs Commission, or NIMAC, show our commitment."
“We’re glad that the Partnership is working with us to protect the 3,000 jobs — held by citizens of Niagara and Erie counties—at the air base,” Ross said.
The vice chairman of the Legislature’s economic development committee concurred.
“When you consider that economic statistics show the Niagara Falls Air Base has a $200 million impact on the local economy, this must remain a top priority,” Legislator Kathryn L. Lance, R-Wheatfield said. “Every one of the 3,000 men and women that work at the base represents a family that relies on that base for their livelihoods: their homes, their cars, their kids’ college educations. We’re glad the Partnership is joining us in fighting for them.”
Lance noted that, in addition to funding provided to NIMAC, the Legislature had also secured the services of the Arlington, Va.-based Principi Group, a consulting firm headed by former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi.
The Brownfield program has also been a major concern for county lawmakers, particularly since Cuomo vetoed its extension Dec. 29. Partnership officials noted during the Regional Agenda rollout that for every dollar in tax credits provided under the program, $10 in private investment has followed.
Other top priorities identified by the Partnership were support for Liquefied Natural Gas storage, support for a Regional Workforce Advancement Center and Buffalo Manufacturing Works, enhancement of the Peace Bridge Cargo Pre-Inspection program, acquisition and reconstruction of the Bethlehem Steel site, and backing U.S. Department of Labor efforts to transition from the Workforce Investment Act to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Locally, the Partnership also called on federal and state leaders to provide funding to construct a breakwater at Olcott Harbor to allow for future harbor development. Other local priorities identified included obtaining funding to devise a comprehensive marketing strategy for the Niagara Falls International Airport, to restore Lockport’s Flight of Five canal locks, as well as the renovation and improvements at Lockport’s Historic Palace Theatre and North Tonawanda’s Riviera Theater.
For instant access to East Niagara Post's YouTube videos, social media feeds and more,
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
APPLETON — The Niagara County Farm Bureau hosted its annual holiday gathering at The Winery at Marjim Manor.
Board members and their guests used the opportunity Dec. 18 to interacting with local political leaders. The board members present each introduced him or herself and describe their agricultural connection.
Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross attended, speaking briefly about the county budget and upcoming appointments to the Farmland Protection Board and the County Planning Board. Chairman Ross asked for Farm Bureau’s help in finding people for those positions.
Gerry Farnham represented Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, updating the group on the issues facing the Assembly that will affect agriculture in the future and the Assemblywoman’s interest in hearing from the farmers in her district.
Then Sen.-Elect Rob Ortt introduced himself to the group, expressing his interest in working with the agricultural community in his district. One of the committee assignments he requested was to be on the NYS
Senate Agricultural Committee so he can be a voice for WNY agriculture. He also signed the NY Wine pledge to only serve New York State Wines at his political functions. A number of local elected officials have signed the pledge as a way to get raise awareness of locally produced agriculture products.
County Farm President Jim Bittner was very pleased with the event.
“Anytime we have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with our elective representatives, we enjoy the opportunity. Most of them have no direct ties to agriculture, but realize the importance of agriculture to the local economy,"Bittner said. "We are pleased to announce that Assemblywoman Corwin will be receiving the New York Farm Bureau Circle of Friends Award for her steadfast support of agriculture. As Senator Ortt
begins his tenure, we appreciate the opportunity to get to know him. It is this kind of communication that will benefit the agricultural industry locally and across the state.”
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
State Sen. Rob Ortt talks with the Niagara County Farm
Bureau at the Winery at Marjim Manor. (CONTRIBUTED
PHOTO)
|
Board members and their guests used the opportunity Dec. 18 to interacting with local political leaders. The board members present each introduced him or herself and describe their agricultural connection.
Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross attended, speaking briefly about the county budget and upcoming appointments to the Farmland Protection Board and the County Planning Board. Chairman Ross asked for Farm Bureau’s help in finding people for those positions.
Gerry Farnham represented Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, updating the group on the issues facing the Assembly that will affect agriculture in the future and the Assemblywoman’s interest in hearing from the farmers in her district.
Then Sen.-Elect Rob Ortt introduced himself to the group, expressing his interest in working with the agricultural community in his district. One of the committee assignments he requested was to be on the NYS
Senate Agricultural Committee so he can be a voice for WNY agriculture. He also signed the NY Wine pledge to only serve New York State Wines at his political functions. A number of local elected officials have signed the pledge as a way to get raise awareness of locally produced agriculture products.
County Farm President Jim Bittner was very pleased with the event.
“Anytime we have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with our elective representatives, we enjoy the opportunity. Most of them have no direct ties to agriculture, but realize the importance of agriculture to the local economy,"Bittner said. "We are pleased to announce that Assemblywoman Corwin will be receiving the New York Farm Bureau Circle of Friends Award for her steadfast support of agriculture. As Senator Ortt
begins his tenure, we appreciate the opportunity to get to know him. It is this kind of communication that will benefit the agricultural industry locally and across the state.”
For instant access to East Niagara Post's YouTube videos, social media feeds and more,
Thursday, July 24, 2014
 |
Niagara County leaders came out in force Wednesday night to welcome volunteer firefighters and EMS workers from 11 Western New York counties to the Western New York Volunteer Firemen's Association's 115th annual convention at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall in Wheatfield. Pictured, from left to right, are Niagara County Fire Coordinator Jonathan Schultz, Niagara County Legislature Chairman William L. Ross, Legislator Kathryn Lance, WNYVFA President Wendi Walker, Assemblyman John D. Ceretto, Sheriff James R. Voutour, and Wheatfield Supervisor Robert B. Cliffe.
|
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
WHEATFIELD — Local leaders came out in force Wednesday night to thank volunteer firefighters and EMS workers as the Western New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association kicked off its 115th annual convention at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall in Wheatfield.
“Firefighters often work to protect the things we can replace — houses and material possessions — but sometimes we forget how hard they work to protect and save the things that nothing can replace,” noted Niagara County Legislator Kathryn Lance, R-Wheatfield, one of the evening’s speakers. Lance recalled how, when her father suffered a heart attack, volunteer firefighters including former Niagara County Legislator Peter E. Smolinski of North Tonawanda had been among the first people to respond.
“I owe firefighters — and at least one volunteer firefighter — my gratitude and a debt,” Lance said. “I never forgot what Pete and his brothers in the fire service did that day, to help my dad, to comfort my dad, to save my dad.”
The firefighters association is meeting through Saturday for a meeting that mixes fun and entertainment with the serious business of firefighting policy and training. Also on hand at the group’s opening dinner Wednesday were Assemblyman John D. Ceretto, R-Lewiston, Niagara County Legislature Chairman William L. Ross, Sheriff James R. Voutour, Wheatfield Supervisor Robert B. Cliffe, and county Fire Coordinator Jonathan Schultz.
Voutour praised the work of the volunteers, adding, “We speak of professional firefighters, but you volunteers all are true professionals in every way—except that you don’t get paid.”
Ross and Cliffe thanked the firefighters for their work on behalf of their home communities, including Wheatfield, which played host to the convention.
“We can never say thank you enough for what you do,” Ross said.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
BY SCOTT LEFFLER
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
Maziarz, 61, has represented the East Niagara area in the state Senate since 1995 and had recently filed petitions to seek re-election. He will, however, decline the nomination of those petitions and North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt will be named in his place, sources say.
There have been many rumors concerning Maziarz since Friday when it was announced that two of Maziarz' top aides had resigned.
Nick Forster, chairman of the Niagara County Democratic Party, called for an investigation into the senator over those resignations on the party's website.
“This week we learned Maziarz's Chief of Staff Alisa Colatarci and Office Manager Marcus Hall both resigned. Given the U.S. Justice Department’s increased focus on public corruption in Albany, if there are reports of senior staff members resigning it should raise some eyebrows,” the post claimed.
This evening, Forster said that "something catastrophic has occurred within the Maziarz political machine."
"What I do know is that the Moreland Commission named George Maziarz as one of the biggest abusers of campaign finance," Forster said, adding the speculation of Maziarz not seeking re-election is "a culmination of an ongoing corruption campaign."
A City & State article in May said that Maziarz spent more than $140,000 of campaign funds between 2008 and 2013 without specifying what the funds were spent on.
Maziarz told East Niagara Post at the time that "the Moreland Commission never asked me for any information, made any inquiries to my office or raised any issue with my campaign. We have followed all campaign laws, reported all expenditures and have always been very transparent."
Forster added, "I'm also being told that there's numerous subpoenas that are going to be delivered ... if they haven't already."
Gia Arnold, who filed petitions to run against Maziarz on the Republican and Conservative lines said the senator was at a rally in Albion on Saturday, campaigning as normal.
"He was there yesterday and he spoke about the Constitution and about himself," she said, but added that she'd also heard rumors of him not running.
"I've heard that it's not going to be a resignation. That he's going to decline the nomination for the petition," she said. Adding that North Tonawanda Mayor Bob Ortt will get the Republican nomination to the seat instead.
Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross also said Saturday was business as usual for Maziarz.
"It was a very ordinary day at the Veteran's Monument Saturday morning in N.T.," Ross said.
Former Somerset Justice Jeff Wick said Colatarci and Hall's resignation letters were damning to Maziarz.
"In their statement, they denounce him," he said by phone this morning. "They not only denounced him, but also said they were going to turn over evidence."
Wick said that he'd seen the statements but did not have them on hand.
"He's made a lot of enemies over the past 18 years and its finally coming back to haunt him," Wick said.
Attempts to reach Maziarz and Ortt have so far not been fruitful.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)