Before he became the mayor of Lackawanna, John Kuryak, then the city engineer, turned his back on incumbent Mayor Kathy Staniszewski and her administration. After a close election, Kuryak forgot the supporters and lifelong friends who got him elected. He turned his back on the Democratic Party and, more importantly, has betrayed every citizen in Lackawanna by using the office of mayor for his own political gain.
While serving out his last six months as mayor, Kuryak was offered a position with the Erie County Water Authority. Kuryak stated in a recent News article that he doesn't want the city to revert to the "old way" of doing things, yet he has accepted a county job that he is scheduled to start July 14. When he took his oath of office, I don't recall him being sworn in as a part-time mayor.

It's certainly every American's right to switch party affiliations. But the simple truth is that Kuryak is becoming a Republican to better himself, not to better Lackawanna or Erie County.

There is certainly credence to County Executive Joel Giambra's consolidation efforts in many areas of duplication. But saying that Lackawanna's 18,000 citizens should have a part-time mayor is not prudent. And to think otherwise is an insult to every citizen of Lackawanna. As a recent News article stated, "Kuryak once again shifts status, awaits the voters' verdict." I can't wait until November.

TOM RAIMAN
Lackawanna

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