1 Attachment(s)
Frank Todaro, Republican Conservative Candidate For 8th District County Legislature
Throughout his political career, when defending his free-market ideals, John Kennedy oft-times would quote the slogan of the New England Council "A rising tide lifts all boats."
Here in Western New York, perhaps no singular person's works and ideals, more better exemplifies that idiom than those of Frank Todaro.
Starting in his family's business, Queen City Collision in 1997, Frank amassed the vocational, business, managerial, and executive skills which enabled him to transform that rather modest business into what is today "Collision Masters," an auto-body and repair business with two locations. Collision Masters, a $ 4 million dollar business, employs a work force of thirty-two and services over 2,500 cars annually.
As Frank grew in business success, so too did he rise in the world of community and civic commitment.
To be sure, Frank has received the public accolades of business success, most notably being listed in Buffalo Business Firsts' "40 Under Forty."
In the world of civic fraternity, Frank serves his community as a member of the BOCES 1 Advisory Board, the Good Government Club of WNY, and as a Twin District Volunteer Firefighter; truly an exemplary record of community service.
However, it was within the scope of his successful auto-body repair business, that Frank was summoned to truly and faithfully pursue the better angels of humanity.
It was at Collision Masters, that Frank developed a passionate value for the wonders of youth. With a personal dedication to harness adolescent energies and to develop fledgling skills, Frank chose to enable our community's young people by establishing a BOCES-affiliated apprenticeship program to train tomorrow's skilled workers. In that role, Frank may be considered to be an educator and mentor.
It was also at Collision Masters, on a day which may have otherwise permanently stained the soul of our community, that Frank saw, confronted, and defeated the ugliness of racism.
Delivered to Collision Masters was a silver truck, spray painted in red with the most horrible of racial slurs. Frank, promptly cast aside profit and priority, and immediately enlisted all of Collison Masters' assets, to promptly expunge the repugnant stain, not only from the truck, but from the collective community that he loves so much.
It would not be an overstatement to say, that in confronting that single incident of darkness, Frank, as if infused with the combined strengths and purposes of the Archangels Michael and Chamuel, righteously dispatched the evil of racism from our community's soul, and restored to its heart, the celebration of peace, brotherhood, and healing.
In recognition of its efforts, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown proclaimed from Collision Masters, "Neighbors Standing Together Day," and styled Frank as one who "has always strived to give back to our community."
When Frank was selected as a "40 Under Forty" honoree in 2018, bi-partisan praise and congratulations came from Erie County Hall, the New York State Assembly, the New York State Senate, and the white marble steps of the United States Capitol.
But the most notable praise came from New York State Senator, Democrat Tim Kennedy. Senator Kennedy's praise came in the form of a challenge to Frank with these words:
"With this recognition, I hope that you'll take a moment to consider what more you can do for your community."
Having so considered, Frank has decided, without regard to personal profit and interest, that he can best meet the Kennedy challenge by entering a campaign for Erie County Legislator from the 8th Legislative District.
Frank brings to this 2019 campaign, and will deliver to County Hall next January, a unique blend of business experience, managerial skills, civic awareness, mentoring, and a deep and abiding passion to embrace and lift all members of our entire Erie County family.
An entrepreneur, manager, educator, civic leader, and healer, that is Frank Todaro.
While it remains true that "A rising tide lifts all boats," in a day present with harsh tone, racial and gender tensions, and sharp political division, IMHO, it is not an exaggeration to suggest that Frank Todaro brings to our community, his own special skill set of soothing outreach which also will "calm the stormy sea."
Attachment 10405
