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Politics
Unlike Democrat Council Members Dan Amatura and Donna Stempniak and Town Clerk Johanna Coleman running unopposed in November’s election for Town Board positions, incumbent Supervisor Robert Giza will face opposition from endorsed Republican Party candidate James Ward.
Although it had been rumored for some time that Ward would oppose Giza for the supervisor position, it was formally announced in today’s Buffalo News, in an article written by Sandra Tan.
According to the News article, Ward was surprised that his Party had collected the required petitions while he was away on vacation, endorsed his running and that, “I was the last to know about it.”
Ward declared that he had earlier declined to run when he found out the supervisor position was a full-time job, something he already has. He made his position clear to the Republican Party and believed he was removed from consideration.
Ward claims supervisor position can be filled part-time
According to the News commentary, Ward called Supervisor Giza last Friday informing him that he had a full-time job and wouldn’t be ready to work long hours as a full-time supervisor.
Admitting that his life would be made easier if Ward did not run, Giza offered to help Ward get his name off the ballot, going so far as to pick up and legal costs if required. “He asked me to look into,” claims Giza.
According to Ward, he never indicated to Giza that he did not want the position. He also claims that he does not think that the supervisor’s position should be full-time. If he (Ward) were elected, he would return half of the supervisor’s salary ($69,950).
Ward declared that he has trouble with big-time politicians. “Giza’s been in office a long time.”
Giza fires back
Giza took exception to Ward’s charge that the supervisor’s position is worthy of only a part-time effort. “It’s a full-time demanding position, no matter who occupies it!” Giza claims he puts in 50 – 60 hours a week on his job.
Giza is in his 12th year of being supervisor and previously served 14 years as councilman. He is seeking another term, his fourth, because he has some projects he would like to see completed.
He believes his experience and longevity have given him “connections” and much needed knowledge on how the government works. It is his belief that for said reasons he is the best candidate.
“You couldn’t get that service from someone in here for a year or so,” claims Giza. “I really eat, drink and sleep this job,” Giza told the Lancaster Bee reporter last week.
So, who is James Ward?
Today’s News story shed some light on the neophyte Republican challenger.
Ward is an area representative for the medical product company Biotronik. Ward, 36, pointed out his credentials as a Marine, a volunteer firefighter and a Buffalo peace officer, along with his occupational history as a pharmaceutical and medical devices sales representative.
Ward earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Buffalo State College and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix.
He touts smart growth, public education and taxes as high priorities in his newly founded campaign.
Comments
As an unaffiliated registered voter, I have no dog in this fight.
I do believe it is a good thing to have a challenger in any political race. This allows for the discontented to have an opportunity to voice their opinions. If they choose not to vote, they have no right to continue complaining.
It is my opinion that the Lancaster supervisor position is a full-time job. Giza wears many hats and is readily accessible.
Whether the electorate feels his accomplishments outweigh his liabilities, and that it is time for change will be decided in November, now that someone has stepped forward to challenge the position.
At the same time, will Ward be able to convince the electorate that the town has been led in the wrong direction and that change is warranted. Ward will have to come up with much more than the standard political doublespeak of, “smart growth, public education and taxes are my high priorities.”
If this man has appeared at any town board meetings, I am unaware of that. Photo please! Where does his political savvy come from? Wouldn’t you think that more good could come from a political aspirant attending board meetings and offering input to better the community than just waiting to slam an opponent during election time and promise change?
The “neophyte” is facing off against the seasoned “lion,” let the games begin.
Anyone up for some “fear and smear” tactics?
Good luck Mr. Ward! Over the last several elections, your feckless Party has self-destructed, caused by inside bickering and a lack of sound leadership. Coming up with only one candidate to run for four open town election positions says much about their organization and past endeavors.
As stated earlier, I have no dog in this fight. The next two months should be interesting! They both have a lot of “splaining” to do.
© Copyright 2008 by Speakupwny.com
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