Pino seeks Wheatfield Town Board seat

Robert J. Pino has announced his candidacy for councilman on the Wheatfield Town Board. He has the endorsements of the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party.

Pino has lived in Wheatfield for 53 years. He and his wife, Patricia, have lived on Nickett Drive for 29 years. They have a 25-year-old son, Christopher.

Pino was employed as a truck driver for Tops Markets for 30 years. He is currently employed by the New York State Department of Transportation as a highway maintenance worker and snowplow operator.

Pino is no stranger to public service. He is a 38-year member of the Adams Volunteer Fire Co., serving as a firefighter/EMT responding to over 250 alarms annually. He served as fire chief for 16 years and currently is in his third term as president of the fire company. He is a member of several state and national firefighter organizations. He currently serves as institutional representative for Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troop 833. He has been associated with the Scouts as a member including Eagle Scout, a leader and a parent of an Eagle Scout for 48 years. He and his family have been members of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Bergholz since 1988.

Pino believes that his experiences as a leader in the fire service have given him the ability to work with others in problem solving and also has given him the qualities needed to make decisions that will benefit all town residents. The most important issues to him are accountability, reduction and eventual elimination of town taxes, fiscal responsibility and providing use of all town facilities at no cost to town residents.

"I look at my running for office as an extension of my public service and bringing a voice to the Town Board that is not being heard because of the one party rule," he said. "I feel my opponents currently sitting on the Town Board hold as much responsibility for the state of the town's fiscal condition as any one person before them. I will offer solutions that are not being discussed such as reductions of salaries and elimination of costly perks for part-time elected officials. There is much that can be done so we can return the services that the residents deserve as taxpayers."

"Anyone with questions can contact me at 957-2337. I will be happy to speak with you," Pino said.

•The Wheatfield Democratic Club will hold a "Meet the Candidate Night" and fundraiser on Oct. 19 at the Adams Fire Hall on Nash Road. A pasta dinner along with a Chinese auction will be featured. Call Shirley at 693-6106 or Bob at 957-2337 for tickets.