Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

McCormick seeks County Legislature seat

by jmaloni
Thu, Sep 29th 2011 02:00 pm

Gerald J. McCormick is announcing his candidacy for the Niagara County Legislature in the newly created 7th Legislative District.

This district encompasses the southern portion of Wheatfield and the southwest corner of North Tonawanda.

McCormick has the endorsements of the Democratic Party and Working Families Party.

He and his wife, Janet, have resided on Baisch Drive in Wheatfield for 34 years. They have three grown children who attended North Tonawanda and Starpoint schools.

McCormick is a retired 33-year employee of the General Motors Tonawanda Powertrain plant. While employed there he was elected to many union positions, including two terms as president of the United Auto Workers Local 774. In these positions he dealt with many varied issues such as budgets, personnel, contract negotiations, and lobbying in both Albany and Washington on behalf of American workers. Upon retiring from GM, McCormick worked for two years as a labor benefits representative for Blue Cross Blue Shield, giving him an understanding of the health care system.

McCormick is a veteran of the United States Navy. He is an active member of Adams Volunteer Fire Co., where he is a firefighter, fire police, treasurer and an emergency medical technician. He is also a member and past president of the Wheatfield Lions Club. McCormick served for three years on the Niagara County Youth Board where he dealt with issues such delinquent and homeless youth in the community.

"I am running for office because I want to give back to the community, and I want to see a more accountable and open Niagara County government," said McCormick. "I would like to see the open public comment session of the County Legislature moved back to the beginning of the meeting. If a citizen takes time out of his busy schedule to drive to Lockport, they have the right to be heard. I intend to be a watchdog of taxpayer dollars. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent on frivolous lawsuits against the Senecas and the New York Power Authority. I would fight against such waste and to lower your taxes."

"North Tonawanda and Wheatfield are two distinct communities with many things in common," McCormick stated. "Both communities need to have policies in place that encourage business and commercial growth leading to expansion of the tax base and desperately needed jobs. They have wonderful and unique assets - miles of waterfront, the airport, the availability of cheap power and abundant water. More needs to be done to promote these assets. The agricultural community needs to be protected and supported - the farmers in Wheatfield and farmers market in North Tonawanda."

The Wheatfield Democratic Club will be holding a "Meet the Candidate Night" and fundraiser on Oct. 19 at Adams Fire Hall. A spaghetti dinner will be served, call Shirley at 693-6106 or Jerry at 694-0993 for tickets.

Hometown News

View All News