Tina Coppins, a longtime River Region resident, has announced her candidacy for the Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees. The election will be held Tuesday, June 19.
Coppins was selected as a candidate during the largest Democratic Party caucus held in recent village history. Her campaign agenda includes a focus on bringing all the village board committees to work together.
"If we keep all village board committee agendas transparent, this will ensure that we will be working to keep the historical integrity of the village. This will also bring synergy to our board and committees for the betterment of the community," Coppins said. "I will be available to work with the local businesses and residents, hearing what is important to them."
Coppins explained she brings a business experience of more than 17 years as a property manager and has participation on other boards, which will help foster a spirit of cooperation in the village's one square mile of history. She said she looks forward to bringing fresh, new ideas to help encourage development, but on the village's terms, with Lewiston's character and residents in mind.
Coppins manages 425,000 square feet of commercial real estate. This entails a $1.8 million expense budget that oversees contractors and architects in the administration of the projects awarded to her group. She noted her business acumen will be a great asset in fulfilling the duties of a trustee.
Coppins said she is eager to get involved with the historical landmark that is the focal point on Center Street: the Frontier House.
"We need to hold, not only ourselves, but whoever the responsible parties may be in the future, to keep this historical landmark intact," she said.
In addition to her work, Coppins has a bachelor's degree in business administration (majoring in management), as well as a real property administrator (RPA) designation. She has been a past president of the Greater Buffalo Buildings Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and also is currently the treasurer of the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce and GPI Toastmasters. She is an active member of the Lower Niagara Moose Lodge No. 584.
Commenting on her goals as trustee, Coppins said, "We don't need more political party lines, we need people that can work together for the village, with the village, because we are the village."
