Sirianni seeks re-election in Town of Niagara

Councilman embraces fiscal watchdog position

Town of Niagara Councilman Richard Sirianni recently announced his candidacy for re-election as he seeks a second term on the Town Council. Sirianni said he has been known to be the fiscal watchdog and flourishes in that role.     

A non-traditional elected official, Sirianni blends his personality and optimistic outlook for the town, with a conservative eye on finances to ensure the town is headed in the right direction. 

“Over the last several years we have made smart investments by building and bettering our infrastructure,” said Sirianni. “Whether it’s correcting flood issues, improving our sewers, or paving and plowing roads in our town, we have made town residents a priority.” 

Sirianni praised the town workers for their dedication and commitment, which has raised the bar on the quality of life within the town. As a fiscal watchdog, the job of promoting development and balancing the needs of residents can sometimes be difficult, he added. 

“I will continue to work hard for all taxpayers to ensure we keep our costs down through the elimination of all unnecessary spending,” said Sirianni. “I led the fight in our last budget to cut about $225,000 of discretionary spending. I believe we can do even more in future years, which will be necessary to grow our fund balance.”

Sirianni said he still considers himself as a political outsider but recognizes that the Town Board has been able to find common ground to support the greater good.   

“We all rallied together to put part of our air base on the tax rolls, which hopefully includes a rapid response center,” said Sirianni. “We are close to completing this project, as well as working hard to remove unoccupied abandoned homes on Grauer and Military Road.” 

He added that the future is bright and he has been able to extend the voice of many residents to the walls inside Town Hall.

“As long as I am given the opportunity to serve this community, I will put an emphasis on doing right by my neighbors,” said Sirianni. “Eliminating wasteful spending, building an environment to foster job growth, and providing our future generations with the tools to succeed, are the reasons why I seek public service.”

Sirianni is currently a Town Board member, seven-year member of Niagara-Wheatfield School Board and four-year member of the audit and policy committees overseeing a $70 million budget.  Additionally, Sirianni is a three-year financial officer for PACE region two council of four states, four-year president and financial officer of the Niagara-Wheatfield Credit Union board of directors, and past officer of the C.G. Credit Union board of directors. He is a 28-year union officer and eight-year union president responsible for contract negotiations, arbitrations, creating new medical and 401K plans; a five-year member of the AFLCIO Economic Development Committee, three-year president of Niagara County Steel Workers Organization of Active Retires and continues to be involved with representing retires. 

Sirianni is also a member of the Niagara Orleans Labor Council Political Action Committee, a past member of the Town of Niagara Recreational Committee; has over 35 years as a member of the Lasalle Sportsmens Club and over 38 years as a life member of the NRA. 

Sirianni has lived in the Town of Niagara for over 27 years with his wife Cheri and son Ricky.