Restaino to seek 145th Assembly seat

Press release

Niagara Falls attorney and Democrat Robert M. Restaino today announced his candidacy in the upcoming election for New York state's newly outlined 145th Assembly District.

Restaino, a former Niagara Falls City Court judge, questions the effectiveness of the current Assembly representative.

"I enter this campaign knowing full well that the very makeup of our Assembly impacts the effectiveness of our representation on the Assembly floor," said the lifelong Niagara County resident.

"For a large part of 30 years, this area has been able to present its concerns in the State Assembly, prioritizing the needs of its people, while influencing the direction of New York state legislation," Restaino said. "Today, realizing that New York sits at a critical point in this state's history, our representation calls out for an individual independent enough to present original, relevant legislation, not frivolous, publicity-grabbing issues that will little impact the long-term future of this great state."

Restaino, a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Law, sees a pressing need for an independent thinker with the courage to challenge unfunded state mandates -- mandates he believes continue to shift a greater tax burden on the backs of Western New Yorkers.

"I have every intention of asking the tough questions, of addressing issues, which most directly impact the daily lives of the constituents of the 145th Assembly District," Restaino said.

Restaino openly welcomes Gov. Andrew Cuomo's commitment to Niagara and Erie counties.

"As the governor works to strengthen the fiscal well-being of our state, to 'right size' its government, to create a more effective final product, he will need effective partners. I have every intention of working with the governor and our state delegation to provide more effective policies and programs in Albany," he said.

"But rest assured," Restaino concluded, " my priority remains protecting and enhancing the quality of life of the good people of Western New York."