Lockport GOP endorses Smith, full town slate

Jablonski: Smith's successful policies should continue

Town of Lockport Republicans overwhelmingly endorsed incumbent Town Supervisor Marc R. Smith and a slate of incumbents, with Lockport GOP Chairman Donald J. Jablonski pointing to the fiscal health of the town as a key consideration when it came time to back a slate of candidates.

Also endorsed along with Smith are town councilmembers Cheryl Antkowiak and Paul Siejak, Highway Superintendent David J. Miller, and Town Court Justice Leonard G. Tilney Jr.

"We're pleased to bring these candidates forward," Jablonski said.  "They have strong records, so naturally the committee overwhelmingly supported and voted to endorse those candidates."

Jablonski said that he shared the Republican Committee's enthusiasm for the slate.

"I believe wholeheartedly that they should be reelected," he said.  "We need them to continue performing their duties to the high standards, which they are doing right now."

Jablonski noted that the Town of Lockport has been one of the most successful and prosperous towns in Niagara County, with its population increasing nearly 5 percent over the last decade and new industries, including Yahoo!, setting up shop inside the town.

"The Town of Lockport continues on a growth pattern because of their diligent and hard work, and fiscal responsibility second-to-none in the county," Jablonski said.  "These people have the residents in mind and they work hard to deliver with a tight fiscal fist."

Jablonski noted that Lockport's government policies under Smith have emphasized minimizing costs for both town residents and businesses choosing to set up shop in Lockport.

"In the Town of Lockport, we still don't have a town tax," Jablonski emphasized, highlighting the central plank of Smith's governing platform.  "On top of that, our special district taxes - like water, refuse, and fire - have either remained constant, or have been reduced over the last five years, to the point where our town is run the most efficiently in all of Niagara County."

With rough fiscal waters at the federal and state levels, Jablonski urged his fellow Lockport residents to re-elect a proven team to ensure Lockport can continue to prosper despite the ongoing recession.

"We believe that through all the financial uncertainty, and as our community continues to grow, these folks are the best qualified to deliver anything and everything that the Town of Lockport's residents need," Jablonski said.

The Town of Lockport Republican Committee's endorsement recommendations will be forwarded to the full Niagara County Republican Committee, which will issue the official local GOP endorsements.