Peunic announces candidacy for Lewiston town supervisor

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, May 14, 2005

“Politicians always say that they are going to run government like a business. But I am the only candidate for supervisor who can do it,” said Brian Peunic as he announced his candidacy for Lewiston Town Supervisor. Peunic is a Republican and will seek the Independent, Conservative and Working Families lines for November’s election.

Peunic is the chairman and CEO of BNG Wireless Inc., a local technology firm, and the president of Southern Capital Associates Inc., a Niagara Falls financial services firm. He has held executive positions with several companies from Boston to California. He lives in Lewiston with his wife Renee, and their three children.

“Everyone knows our current supervisor is a nice guy. But issues like Town Hall expansion and negotiations with the Power Authority demand a professional approach and tough leadership, Peunic said.

“Leadership means saying ‘no’ to borrowing $1.5 million to expand Town Hall, because we shouldn’t be spending money we don’t have,” he continued. “Leadership means fixing the botched Power Authority negotiations, because the taxpayers of Lewiston will have to live with this deal for 50 years.”

Peunic is a Niagara Falls native, graduating in 1983 from Niagara Falls High School and in 1988 from the University at Buffalo, School of Management. He started his business career locally, serving as business manager at the Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center until 1992.

“Many believe that our current supervisor made a mistake when he raised the amount he is paid by 35 percent,” Peunic said. “The Erie County mess has taught us what happens if we don’t watch every penny. My first act as supervisor will be to lead by example and cut the pay received by the supervisor by that same 35 percent.

“I have talked to many people who feel that Lewiston is headed in the wrong direction. My plan to streamline government and cut costs will put Lewiston back on the road to less government and lower taxes,” Peunic concluded.