County Republicans endorse slate for 2014

Niagara County Republicans backed a slate of candidates for state, federal, and local offices Jan. 30 at the Wheatfield Community Center, lining up behind experienced incumbents seeking re-election to a host of offices.

GOP committee members backed elections clerk Jennifer Fronczak of North Tonawanda to fill the post of county elections commissioner, after the executive committee formally nominated her. She will replace longtime GOP stalwart Mary Ann Casamento once county lawmakers formalize her appointment.

Niagara County Republican Chairman Scott P. Kiedrowski urged fellow Republicans to back what he called "an effective, proven team" that includes U.S. Rep. Chris Collins of Clarence, and state Sen. George Maziarz of Newfane.

Also gaining the county GOP's official endorsement were Assemblywoman Jane L. Corwin OF Clarence, and Assemblymen Ray Walter of Amherst and John D. Ceretto of Lewiston.

"The Republican slate has advanced the independent principles of the Republican Party time and again, fighting overreach by the state and federal governments while protecting our interests in Albany and Washington," Kiedrowski said. "The Republican Party's state and federal representatives are Western New Yorkers and fight for Western New York's values."

Maziarz made the case for his own candidacy, as well as those of all the party's endorsed candidates, in remarks shared with the approximately 100 GOP committeemen in attendance.

"If you care about improving the economy and creating jobs; if you care about creating a better health care system for New Yorkers; if you care about the quality of education for our future generations - then we stand for the same thing," Maziarz said.

Maziarz also reminded those present that he, along with Corwin, Walter and Ceretto, voted against Gov. Andrew Cuomo's gun control law, the NY SAFE Act.

"I voted against the NY SAFE Act last year, because I felt this legislation was confronting the problem of gun violence by making criminals out of responsible, law-abiding gun owners," he said.

Collins has also stood against gun control plans at the federal level.

Republicans unanimously backed two local government candidates: Lockport Town Councilman Tom Keough and Pendleton Town Justice Ed Maziarz.

Republicans will begin circulating petitions for federal candidates in March.