County Legislature races
Ten Erie lawmakers face challenges, few incumbents earn recommendations
All 15 Erie County Legislature seats are on the ballot this year, but there are real contests in only 10 of them. Incumbents Tim Kennedy (D, 2nd District), Barbara Miller-Williams (D, 3rd), Maria Whyte (D, 6th), Betty Jean Grant (D, 7th) and John Mills (R, 13th) have no major challenges.
Here are our recommendations in the remaining races:
- 1st District: Vincent Tobia Sr.
Two years ago this page endorsed Vincent Tobia Sr., a Republican, over Daniel M. Kozub, the Democratic incumbent. We do so again.
Kozub hasn't distinguished himself in the Legislature and, in a high-tax county in a high-tax state, Tobia approaches the job with a greater emphasis on the need to reduce the costs of government. A part-time police officer and criminal justice teacher, Tobia also favors downsizing the Legislature, imposing term limits on all elected county officials and reforming the Erie County Water Authority.
- 4th District: Raymond Walter
Incumbent Republican Raymond W. Walter was appointed to fill the vacated Michael Ranzenhofer seat in January. While both candidates in this race could do a good job, Walter has the better feel for the needs of the county. We endorse him.
A law firm associate, Walter favors downsizing the Legislature and eliminating district offices. He sees serving on the Legislature as "a great opportunity" to help County Executive Chris Collins move his agenda forward — a potentially useful goal, as long as he keeps his independence.
Democratic challenger Justin Rooney is a Newstead town councilman and deputy supervisor. He wants to ensure children have economic opportunities here when they grow up, and to encourage municipalities to share services.
- 5th District: Diane Terranova
Diane M. Terranova was appointed to this seat to replace Kathy Konst. Terranova, a Democrat and former Legislature liaison for Comptroller Mark C. Poloncarz, brings an obvious thoughtfulness about the variety of issues that crowd the legislative agenda. She says it will be hard to cut taxes, given such issues as problems at the Sheriff's Department, funding needs by the library and crumbling infrastructure, but she wants to help the county become "more stable financially." Republican opponent Dino J. Fudoli plainly cares about the direction of county government and, as the owner of a property management and development company, he has private-sector sense about him. He could be a good legislator, we believe, but Terranova's background and approach give her an edge.
- 8th District: Ted Morton
Republican challenger Ted Morton has the right approach for Erie County: With a revenue crunch coming, as federal stimulus funds dry up, this self-employed financial adviser wants to cap taxes, impose term limits, cut lawmakers' salaries and shrink the Legislature. All are worthy ideas. We endorse him.
Democratic incumbent Tom Mazur is a competent lawmaker, though he is skeptical of public demands for "change." He expresses hesitations about downsizing the Legislature, for example, for fear of marginalizing people's voices. It's not an unreasonable concern, though it ought to be possible to achieve the goal of a smaller Legislature while maintaining good representation.
- 9th District: Brian Wirth
Republican newcomer Brian Wirth faces former West Seneca Councilwoman Christina Bove, who defeated incumbent Timothy M. Wroblewski in the Democratic primary. Both are good candidates. We endorse Wirth.
Wirth is passionate about the need for change in county government. He supports term limits and wants to shrink the Legislature and promises never to vote for a tax increase. He says that, generally speaking, he agrees with the positions of Collins, though he calls him "a bit of a dictator." Bove was downsized out of town government following a citizen-led push that she opposed. She now says the Legislature should be downsized and term limits imposed.
- 10th District: Kevin Hardwick
Republican candidate Kevin Hardwick challenges Democratic incumbent Michele Iannello in this race.
A political science professor, Hardwick is a former City of Tonawanda Council Member and former host of WBEN's "Hardline with Hardwick." He brings experience in working toward bipartisanship and governmental downsizing. Iannello has served since 2006 and has had marginal success in promoting reform. Both are strong candidates, but we favor Hardwick.
- 11th District: Lynn Marinelli
Legislature Leader Lynn M. Marinelli, a Democrat, has diligently represented an urban-suburban district since 1996. She created the 21st Century Commission on the Erie County Legislature to study downsizing, although pairing the issue with term limits proved flawed. Republican Kevin P. Curtin readily admits his limitations as a newcomer but believes his background in marketing and new business for a consumer packaging company would help him promote the area. Marinelli's experience has more value for voters.
- 12th District: Lynne Dixon
Democratic incumbent Robert Reynolds has tough competition from a former Channel 2 reporter, Republican Lynne Dixon. We think Dixon's analytical skills and platform trump Reynolds' relative experience. Dixon brings needed fresh energy. Reynolds is currently serving his second term, and does have a strong background in finance from 30 years in the private sector.
- 14th District: Shelly Schratz
Incumbent Democrat Thomas Loughran faces Republican Shelly Schratz in a race that pits two experienced politicians against one another. The difference is Schratz's ability to relate to voters and clearly define the issues. She has been an advocate for the needs of average citizens, and that earns the Amherst Town Board member the nod over Loughran's years of experience.
- 15th District: Edward Rath III
Republican Edward Rath III has one term in the Legislature and there's no reason he shouldn't win a second. He brings to the table his own set of impressive credentials in private-sector business, and wants to step up efforts to root out Medicaid fraud. His opponent, Democrat Francina J. Spoth, has a long history of dedicated volunteer community and professional human service background, but Rath merits a chance to continue working on government reform and economic development.
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