Zona will seek re-election for Fifth District Niagara County Legislature seat

Jason Zona has announced his intent to seek re-election for the Niagara County Legislature in the 5th District for 2014-15. Zona represents the Town of Niagara, as well as the Deveaux and Hyde Park areas of Niagara Falls.

Zona, a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, resides in the Deveaux section of the city, is a registered Democrat, and is completing his first term on the Legislature. Zona is a captain for the Niagara Falls Fire Department, and has been with the company since 2003.

"I am excited about seeking a second term on the county legislature," Zona said. "Most people know I campaigned two years ago on fighting wasteful spending, combating the annual increase in county taxes, need for more shared services, and changing the business climate in Niagara County. We had a good start in my first term on all of these issues, but much more work is needed."

Zona attended SUNY at Buffalo and earned a Bachelor's Degree in business administration in 2008.

"One of the biggest issues holding us back is the population exodus from the Niagara Falls area, which has decreased the property tax rolls in Niagara County for decades, and puts added strain on the business owners and residents that remain here," Zona said. "The fact that the county and city are now working closely together in expanding small business opportunities in Niagara County, while promoting the rehab of downtown neighborhoods, is something we must build on, and is something I have championed since day one."

Niagara County Democratic Chairman Nicholas Forster stated, " Jason is exactly what we were missing in Niagara County for a long time, and he is exactly what we need more of on the county legislature: Someone who will stand up for the taxpayers of this county - the ones who have not had their voices heard by this Republican majority caucus over the last decade. He is a young, energetic, and creative individual, and, from what we have witnessed over his first term, is not shy about fighting for the taxpayers of Town of Niagara and Niagara Falls."

Zona, 38, and his wife, Danielle, have a 2-year-old daughter, Gabriella.

"We still have an awful lot of work to do in county government," Zona said. "Although my colleagues and I in the democratic minority were able to fend off a large tax increase on county taxpayers, with little help from the majority, it still was not enough. This legislative body needs to act more responsibly with our tax dollars, and I promise to continue fighting against wasteful spending and higher taxes in Niagara County."

Zona co-sponsored legislation recently with the Direct Pay DSS Landlord resolutions, which will protect taxpayers from misuse of public funds; authored support for the Fashion Outlets of Niagara's $70 million expansion; and is fighting against what he called wasteful consultant contracts and sweetheart leases for record storage facilities in the Lockport area.