• In Our Papers • About Us • Links • Advertising •
Google Custom Search  
       
 

Marra announces candidacy for Lewiston Town Board

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, August 8, 2009

Village of Lewiston Trustee Michael J. Marra officially announced his candidacy for Lewiston Town Board.

During his five years on the Village Board, Marra has been a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility, infrastructure maintenance and making every attempt to facilitate success in the business community as well as being responsive to the concerns of all residents.

These issues were addressed by Marra as follows:

•Keeping Lewiston the lowest-taxed village in Niagara County by lowering taxes and spending in this year’s budget. This sparked comments by independent audit reporter Patrick Brown that included, “Overall the

    


Michael J. Marra

budget position of the village has continued to improve over the last few years and all operating funds are in good shape.” Further, Brown stated that, “The village is in a good financial position, the budgeting is conservative and realistic.”

•Marra took the lead in the Village of Lewiston’s water/sewer project. Over the past four years, the village’s allotted flows to the Waste Water Pollution Center have gone from 170 percent of capacity, to 140 percent, to 106 percent and will be less than 100 percent of capacity this year.

•He has made every effort to advocate for new and established merchants on Center Street, including working with the Niagara County Legislature to secure economic development funds for Lewiston. Also, Trustee Marra has been responsive to the concerns of residents as well as community groups.

•As village trustee and past deputy mayor Marra has pledged three things; that if elected he will continue his work of fiscal responsibility on the Town Board, always keeping in mind that it is the residents’ money.

Secondly, capitalizing on the opportunity the town has with the $500,000 in Greenway Funding it receives annually from the New York Power Authority to preserve and enhance the pristine character of the community.

A third promise Marra has made is to be sure that every part of the town, including Sanborn and Colonial Village, are given consideration and representation on the board. The quality of life for all residents will be made a priority.

Marra holds degrees in both biology and sociology and has been employed by Niagara Cerebral Palsy for the past 17 years. He currently holds the position of job placement coordinator. His commitment to the disabled has earned Marra numerous accolades, including three statewide awards as well as letters of recognition from the United States Congress and the Office of the President. Further, Marra has volunteered his time to the community as a coach, fundraisers for the less fortunate, CVRC Recreation Group, the board of directors at Stella Niagara and many Lewiston Recreation events.

Marra states that he is running for Town Board because, “I have enjoyed the multitude of opportunities to serve that being an elected official has given me. It is my sincere desire to continue my work as a steward of the peoples’ money and working for a better Lewiston as a town councilman.”

Michael and his wife of 14 years, Laura, reside in Lewiston.