Some people have asked me why I would want to throw my hat into the political ring and the simplest answer is that I feel compelled to try to make a difference. Woodrow Wilson said “There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.”

I feel that I can apply my strengths in the political arena. I do have a business background, a legal background and a political science degree. I don’t mention these things in a boasting manner because I truly feel that one of the main qualities one must possess to be a public servant is humility.

I want to earn this job through this campaign, earn your trust through my conversations with you and my actions and earn some invaluable life experience in the process.

Can you share with us your thoughts on the following items:

1) On June 11th, the politicians on the town board are forcing the public to vote again on downsizing the board from 6 to 5 members. The public previously voted overwhelmingly 70% to 30% to downsize, but the politicians don’t want to do it.

Where do you stand on this? Should the board be reduced to 5 members or do you think it should stay at 6?

2) What is your position on term limits? Several members of the board ran for office knowing there were term limits in place. Once people get a taste of the power and perks of public office they never want to leave. Attempts have been made to eliminate the term limits in place now.

What is your position on term limits?

3) Recently I filed a Freedom of Information request seeking a copy of the Town Supervisor’s schedule from 2012. I am curious as to how top elected officials spend their time. To his credit County Executive Mark Poloncarz provided me his 2012 schedule without any problem and without blacking out the names of individuals he met with regarding county matters.

Mr. Weinstein forwarded his schedule with the names of people he met with on town business blacked out. Not very transparent and I am appealing his refusal to provide me a clean copy of his schedule.

Do you think the Town Supervisor should provide a copy of his meeting schedule that includes the names of people he is meeting with? Why would an elected official who is serving the public want to keep secret who he is meeting with?

Paul Wolf

***

To be fair to Mr. Cadmus. I would also like to hear the answers to the above questions from:

Steve Sanders
Tricia Dunn
Mark Manna
Barry Weinstein
and anyone else who is looking to run in Amherst this year.

To thank active duty and retired military personnel for their service, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is offering buy one, get one free tickets to the Patriotic Pops concerts at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 24 and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 25.

The concert has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition. Conducted by Matthew Kraemer, this year’s event features the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and vocalists Niko Ellison of the Air Force Band and Danan Tsan, formerly of the Army Field Band.

Active and retired military personnel can take advantage of this offer by visiting www.bpo.org and using the code SALUTE, or by calling (716) 885-5000. Identification is required, and there is a limit of four tickets per patron (two paid and two free tickets). Previous purchases are excluded.

Correction — The best candidate for the Democrats to win a seat on the Amherst Town Board in the upcoming November election was Matt Clabeaux but he was informed, not asked, that he had to step down as a Democratic candidate for the Town Board by Chairman Jerry Schad.

Shad was  instructed by the real chairman of the Amherst Democratic Committee Dennis Ward to replace  Matt with an older, more mature female politician who’s name was well known because of her being on the Williamsville School Board.

The reason many interested people who want to get involved in Amherst politics don’t run for office are the games they are made to play to stay in favor of the “good ol’ boys”, Dennis and Jerry.

If citizens do decide to seek office and win they know they can’t be their own person because they will be  controlled by two losers who need to feel important, Dennis and Jerry.

When will this type of politics die in Amherst?

Editor  James Tricoli, Amhersttimes.com

Saturday, April 13, select members of the Amherst Democratic Committee will endorse two candidates to run for the Amherst Town Board.  The first two people who tossed their hats in the ring were Janice Dunn’s daughter, Trish, and Matt Clabeaux.  They are two new faces with new ideas and good problem solving skills for Amherst’s real problems.

Matt Clabeaux has been a life long Democrat who grew up in Amherst.  As a boy he lived in Snyder and attended St. Benedict’s.  He later moved to the Village of Williamsville.

Clabeaux knows both the physical beauty and the brutal scarring of Amherst due to a weak Town Board who always gave developers the go-ahead to mutilate Amherst’s quaintness.  He will  fight hard to block any further butchering of Amherst.

These two new Democratic candidates are bright, intelligent and should be able to defeat any candidates the Republicans put against them.  They will win if the Amherst Democratic Party gives them their full support and join together to do what needs to be done to assure victory for them.  These candidates haven’t been touched by the controlling hands of any Democratic higher ups; therefore they owe them nothing.

Unfortunately the good ol’ Democratic boys want their cronies to run.  They want people whose names have been around Amherst for over 25 years. These ‘favored’ individuals have been continuously running for office whether it was political, school board or some other board which would make their name stand out.

This is exactly why we don’t need such candidates.

You may have read the comments on this site when the Republicans said they were going to endorse Shelly Schratz for the Amherst Town Board.  The Republicans didn’t endorse her as they planned.  Perhaps it was  because of the comments made by the citizens on this site.  We’ll have to wait to see if they decide to actually endorse Shelly.

Any candidate we endorse for the Town Board can’t, and must not, be connected with any of Jerry Schad’s old friends who spoke, like Abner Milk Toast and never won a seat on our Town Board.

The citizens of Amherst have had enough of good intentioned candidates who don’t win even though they have a list of clubs and civil organizations they are members of.

We Democrats have a hunger in our belly for victory.  The Democrats can win the two seats on the Board, or even if there 3 seats vacant, if we work hard together and don’t believe the rhetoric that we must have someone with a well-known name on our slate.

If you  believe the leader of the Democratic Committee about who the two main candidates should be, you are foolish.  He only follows Dennis Ward’s drum beat.  Be ready to lose again to the Republicans.

The main candidates for the Town Board must be Trish, Janice Dunn’s daughter and Matt Clabeaux.

Matt is an attorney, teacher, author and a life long Democrat.

Trish has been around the Democratic world most of her life. Helping to pass out literature,  ring door bells, stuffing mailers, putting up signs for candidates.  She and Matt have been active Democrats who know what it means to fight hard for DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES.

I apologize for not knowing Trish’s last name.  I have never called her by it.  In all our years working together I have only known her as Trish.

by James Tricoli, Editor: Amhersttimes.com

The Vito Lopes story and the disgusting sexual manner in which he treated 8 women in our State Assembly was sanctioned by the State Assembly Speaker must be known and understood. Mr. Silver must resign for this is only the tip of the iceberg.  Sheldon Silver has allowed grave actions in many cases.  It’s time for his actions to shared with the voters.  He must face the consequences.

Last year New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was told that Assemblyman Vito Lopes was touching Assembly women in a sexual manner for years.  Silver knew Lopes was forcing the women to keep silent as he was sexually tormenting them or they would be fired.  Sheldon, who in this case had the morals of … excuse me Sheldon doesn’t have morals.  He’s too drunk on power.  Power has replaced his sense of humanity.  Power has become his GOD.  He knew he could buy off the women who were being sexually belittled by Lopes. Why else would he let Lopes continue?

Sheldon Silver is a lost soul and anyone who doesn’t understand this must be part of his group of scared cowards, who fear Sheldon’s wrath.  Sheldon paid $103,000 dollars to the two women who were sexually degraded by Vito Lopes.

Since the payoff Lopes has sexually belittled two more women which made it a total of eight women he sexually tortured.  Some Assemblymen have relatives working  in the State Assembly and were aware of what Lopes was doing yet they did nothing out of fear of Sheldon Silver’s anger what actions he might take against them.

As of Monday Lopes has resigned from the New York State Assembly.

Sheldon is now saying he is sorry he didn’t handle this matter correctly last year.  He must have thought these women had no worth.

South Buffalo Democrat Mickey Kearns says he will not caucus with his party in the state Assembly until Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver steps down.  Kearns is disappointed with Silver’s handling of Brooklyn Assemblyman Vito Lopez’s sexual harassment scandal.

It’s clear the pen is mightier than this man who believed he was king.

Sorry Sheldon.  All of us have to answer to a higher authority.

I praise Assemblyman Mickey Kearns for not supporting Sheldon Silver.  Fear is something you learn but some people have learned to put fear in it’s place.

I’m proud Mr. Kearns represents Buffalo and has taken a strong stand against Sheldon Silver’s actions and that he has the integrity to know when things are wrong and gone too far.

Editorial by James Tricoli:  Editor – Amhersttimes. com

Jeff Marion is seeking a Supreme Court seat (previously ran for Town Clerk in Amherst a few years ago.)  At a recent gathering he spoke about some cases that have come before a judge where the amount one could sue for  “pain and suffering,” was limited.  The case involved  a lady  who was left in dire straits as a result.  The McDonald’s hot coffee case was his reference.

From his FB page:

Got a chance to speak to the Amherst Democratic Committee. I talked about how the outcomes of judicial elections matter to those seeking help from the civil justice system. People who have been horribly injured by the carelessness of others, children who have no idea which parent they are going home to that evening, and incapacitated people looking for a guardian who will do what is best for them all look to the civil justice system for help. My practice has been dedicated to helping those exact people get justice.

Beyond these words he shared a story with the audience which was, in reality, a strong pitch to vote for him.  One might read into this that he would take “pain and suffering” into account to a greater degree than other candidates might.

This is not acceptable for a candidate for a judgeship to do. He mentioned how, in the state of Minnesota no matter how badly you were wronged, the most you can sue for is $250,000 compared to other states where there is no a cap.

Jeff Marion is running for a seat as a Supreme Court Judge.  As a candidate he should have never have said anything about any particular case.

Marion crossed the line of what a candidate for a judgeship should tell the public.  Inferring how he might handle a case could sway voters and that is inappropriate.  Candidates can offer their personal background information including where they went to school, where they have been employed, what positions they have held, information about their families, etc.  NOT how they might handle a case.

Breaking News – A deal is being developed in which Dennis Ward’s wife, Michele Iannello, will be taking Lynne Martinelli’s seat when Lynne moves up to Personnel Director.

Dennis Ward, one of the Commissioners of the Erie County Board of Elections, is being considered as a Judge for the New York State Supreme Court.  Say what?  Say it ain’t so!

This is a high honor for any deserving candidate, but for a man of Mr. Ward’s caliber, an artist at playing the system to his advantage, the thought is really upsetting.

For example, where does he really live?  Depending on who is asking and for what reason, Dennis has a couple of answers.

He actually lives on Columbia Highway in Kenmore with his wife.  They have been there for over 5 years yet he still votes in Amherst using the address of a rental property he owns in Snyder.  His driver’s licence continues to list his address in Snyder.  Isn’t there some law that requires you to vote WHERE YOU ACTUALLY LIVE?  Hummmm?

Dennis Ward, up until last year, was the Chairman of the Amherst Democratic Committee.  During his tenure he removed a committee member who moved from Amherst to West Seneca because he didn’t live in Amherst.  A funny thing occurred with this gentleman since Dennis removed him from the ADC.  Dennis put him in charge of the Amherst Democratic Committee website.  Dennis almost always finds way to silence an angry voice.

Dennis Ward must straighten out his acts of deceit before he can honestly hold power in Amherst.  As a man representing Amherst he has more power to push his political agenda and his democratic partners.  As things are he is an albatross.

Dennis truly believes he can’t be brought down.  He believes he is above the law and has enough powerful friends to protect his hide.

Amherst has been controlled and corrupted by Dennis Ward and his cohorts for many years.  Look at the candidates from Amherst that Dennis and his group put forth who have made a difference for the good of Amherst.  Save your time; forget it; there aren’t any.  Ward never cared a bit about the Amherst candidates he personally chose.

To those individuals who are pushing to put Dennis Ward on the bench ~ better make it one that’s crooked and sways from side to side.

Dennis Ward made it up the ladder of politics by making deals and lying to himself it was all right because he was Dennis Ward.

Dennis it’s a big NO it never was alright.

AMHERST, NY- The Emerging Business Leaders young professionals group welcomes University at Buffalo’s Associate Vice President for Economic Development, Marnie LaVigne, at this June’s installment of “Food for Thought” on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. The first ten young professionals to sign up for the event will sit down for lunch with Dr. LaVigne to discuss her role within the Office of Economic Development and be able to ask questions face-to-face. The event will take place at the Amherst Chamber of Commerce located at 350 Essjay Road, Suite 200 in Williamsville from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Dr. LaVigne was named Associate Vice President for Economic Development in 2012. This follows her leadership in business development for the NYS Center for Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences at the UB Center for Advanced Biomedical and Bioengineering Technology since 2005. Dr. LaVigne holds a BS in neuroscience and a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Rochester. She is an editorial board member for Disease Management, and a board of directors’ member for Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, the Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment Board, NYS Economic Development Council, Western New York Venture Association, and several high-tech companies including Blue Highway, Inc. Her current role is to lead the new Office of Economic Development in efforts to leverage university-based resources with the goal of growing the regional economy.

The Chamber’s “Food for Thought” program allows young professionals to gain access to some of Buffalo-Niagara’s most influential leaders. The 10-person maximum encourages optimal face time with the featured guest, open discussion and two-sided dialogue.  These events are a great chance for early-career individuals to pick the brains’ of successful community leaders, ask career advice, learn about how they got to where they are today and get an understanding for the organizations or industries they currently represent.

This event is $20 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members with lunch provided. Space is limited so register today! For more information or to make a reservation for this event, contact Sonia Sloan at 716.632.6905 or by email at ssloan@amherst.org.

AMHERST, NY- At the Amherst Chamber of Commerce’s June Tools for Prosperity workshop, Michael Tasner of Taz Solutions Inc. will demonstrate The Top Online Marketing Trends of 2013. Tasner will also cover the benefits of social media, online marketing, and why businesses that have an online presence are becoming more successful than ever before. The event will take place on Thursday, June 6, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Roberts Wesleyan College Buffalo Extension Campus on 6500 Sheridan Dr. in Williamsville.

Michael Tasner is an entrepreneur; author, speaker, and charity proponent who specializes in helping people achieve their dreams in life and goals in business. Tasner founded Taz Solutions Inc.  in 2000 as a web design company and has evolved the firm with technology to become a hub of online marketing resources for any size business.

Beyond professional web design, Taz Solutions Inc. has the aptitude to provide social media strategies, web consulting services, guerrilla marketing techniques, internet marketing strategies, video production and editing, and almost any online marketing service currently available. With a base in Buffalo, NY, Taz Solutions Inc. has assisted countless small-to-medium sized business advance their online visibility and increase their number of leads and conversions.

The cost to attend Tools for Prosperity is $5.00 for members of the Amherst Chamber and $25.000 for non-members. Log on to www.amherst.org or call the Chamber at 632-6905 to register.

Part of National Observation Supporting & Honoring Emergency Services Personnel

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Deputy Erie County Executive Richard Tobe was joined by Erie County Commissioner of Emergency Services Daniel Neaverth, Jr., Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein, emergency services personnel from around Erie County, and concerned citizens in proclaiming “EMS Week” in Erie County. National EMS Week 2013 is observed from May 19 – 25, and serves to educate the public on the lifesaving teamwork provided by emergency responders while honoring the responders themselves. The theme of this year’s observation is “E.M.S.: One Mission. One Team.”

“This week provides an excellent opportunity to recognize and appreciate the selfless work of emergency personnel in Erie County,” said Deputy County Executive Tobe. “In a crisis situation, first responders are on the scene to bring their lifesaving training and skills to bear, assisting in whatever way the situation demands. Their contributions and commitment to our community should be celebrated and supported every day.”

EMS week is designed to highlight and support the teamwork of Dispatchers, Emergency Medical Technicians (“EMTs”), Firefighters, Paramedics, and Emergency Department Professionals across the country. The week also serves to educate the public on the training, professional development, and education that all emergency personnel complete to capably handle emergency situations.

Commissioner Neaverth, Jr. said, “We would like to salute the thousands of paid and unpaid EMS professionals that selflessly dedicate themselves to serving our community. From the initial dispatch to the response by EMS and Fire, to the transport and emergency room care, this team effort assures county residents timely, definitive care 24/7, 365 days a year.”

Commissioner Burstein said, “I am pleased to recognize our Erie County First Responders, from our dispatchers that respond to calls, to our emergency medical technicians, firefighters, paramedics and emergency personnel in our local hospitals. They are on the front line in emergencies and disasters, and it’s an honor to pay tribute to them for their dedication and commitment to our community.”

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Emergency Services, visit   http://www2.erie.gov/emergencyservices/

On the Erie County Department of Health, visit   http://www2.erie.gov/health/