Soluri takes oath for Legislature

Richard F. Soluri, the long-time mayor of the Village of Lewiston who stepped down last year leaving politics behind, re-entered the political fray Tuesday night, taking his oath of office as a member of the Niagara County Legislature.

Soluri succeeds Assemblyman John D. Ceretto, who began his career in Albany this week. The former mayor was the unanimous choice of a bipartisan panel that sought a replacement for Ceretto after he defeated former Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte in an electoral upset in November. Soluri's 12th District seat encompasses the Village of Lewiston and much of the surrounding town.

Soluri was sworn-in by Niagara County Clerk Wayne F. Jagow while his wife, Lydia "Cici" Soluri, held the Bible.

Soluri, who is often credited with helping to develop Lewiston's Center Street downtown district during his decade-and-a-half at the helm in the village, will take a seat on the Legislature's Economic Development Committee.