Island Dispatch, 2005-09-09

              Island Dispatch Niagara f 111 Dl Frontier tyr Publications proud publishers of Island Dispatch Lewiston-Porter Sentinel Grand Island Penny Saver Niagara-Wheatfield Tribune www.wnypapers.com For Home' Delivery of the Island Dispatch Call 773-7676 : V01.61 No. 25 September 9, 2005 32 Pages SLOO Starting at Sidway page 15 Helping hurricane victims page 17 Vikings win opener page 19 Legislator candidates tackle the issues by Karen Keefe Primary Day, Tuesday, Sept. 13 is right around the corner. This is a big year for local candidates, and the primary often serves as a "make or break" time for securing a spot on the November ballot. This year, one of the most closely watched races is that of Erie County legislator for the 10th District. Four candidates are vying to represent the district, which includes three questions on the topics of economic growth vs. quality of life, Erie County's fiscal crisis and Thruway tolls. The candidates are: •Endorsed Democrat Michele lannello, a Kenmore Village trustee who is running in the Democratic and Conservative primaries. •Democrat Thomas Troy of Kenmore, an intensive psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner for Community Missions Inc., who is running in the Democratic Primary. • Bruce Kaiser of Grand Island, a Conservative by affiliation who has been endorsed by the Republican Party. He is the co-owner of a; telecommunications business and is running in j the Republican and Conservative primaries. ' Rus Thompson of Grand Island, a Republican who is running in both the Republican primary and as a write-in candidate in the Conservative primary. Thompson has spearheaded the Primary Challenge movement in Erie County, an anti-tax initiative that favors smaller, less wasteful government. Grand Island economic development •People are drawn to the community of Grand Island because of its unique rural quality, with ample green space and waterfront recreational opportunities; Yet many feel the Island needs more commercial development to grow the tax base and ease the burden on residential taxpayers.A) As their representative to the Erie County Legislature, how would you work to achieve for Grand Islanders the best balance between residential quality of life and economic growth? 1} Also, the town's Economic Development Advisory Board is seeking to expand the life sciences industry that currently includes such companies as American Pharmaceutical Partners, Invitrogen and Astellas Pharma. Is this an initiative you would support, and if so, what form of assistance could you offer? Michele lannello A)" Erie County government should re-establish its traditional role in assisting town and local governments in planning, specifically, limiting suburban sprawl which has corresponding increases in the cost of government and higher property taxes. County Executive Joel Giambra has refused for six years to take the lead in assisting local governments with regional planning and limiting sprawl. I would work with the County's Department of Environment and Planning to assist the Town of Grand Island in this regard. "We can grow businesses and the tax base while preserving our community's heritage." B) "As a legislator, I would absolutely support the town's efforts to maintain and expand existing life science companies on the Island, as well as attract others which offer good-paying, secure employment and tax revenues to local government. Unfortunately, due to the county fiscal crisis, county funds which have been available in the past to assist in such ventures are no longer available. That said I would use my position to assist the state, ECIDA and Buffalo Niagara Enterprise to provide appropriate credits and inducements to lure life sciences companies to Grand Island's successful life sciences corridor." Thomas Troy A) "I believe Grand Island has ample under-and undeveloped areas suitable for economic expansion. Realistically, heavy industry is not coming to any community in Western new York. We have not had any heavy industry to speak of move into Erie County in the last 50 years. Thus most of the quality of life issues are mute as far as the by products associated with heavy industry, ie. water, soil and air pollution. We are trying desperately to save our already reduced heavy industry base, for example, Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems in Lockport, where I was employed as a foreman. Erie County Legislature candidates, from left, Thomas Troy, Bruce Kaiser and Rus Thompson, met for a forum at the Tonawanda City Hall on Wednesday. Candidate Michele lannello also participated in the debate..•.-All four are vying for the 10th District seat held for 25 years by Chuck Swanick in a district that includes alt of Grand Island, the City of Tonawanda and parts of the Town of Tonawanda. (photo by Jim Hannah) Democratic candidate Michele lannello announced her candidacy for the Erie County Legislature's 1 Oth District seat at Grand Island Town Hall. She is seen with her son and with Supervisor Peter McMahon. (photo by Barbi continued on page 2 I [Monday] I Madness | LAIGE CHEESE PEZA |- ■ ■ M plus tax 2131 Grand Island Blvd. KutzbachflSßf Associate Broker jKpFjmMS #1 Island Agent Mf  #1 Company in WNY^^^ «?4S-7S2*©r §28-1719 Qm Do you need to hoy or •sell a home? Ay Call Linda Katxbach, • she knows how and would love to help you. 1 See page 9 for j Linda's Shopping List j