North Tonawanda appoints Frank DiBernardo 2nd Ward Alderman

By Michael DePietro

Interim Tribune Editor

On Tuesday, the North Tonawanda Common Council voted 4-1 (Austin Tylec) to name Frank DiBernardo, an Independent, as the long-term appointment for 2nd Ward Alderman.

DiBernardo currently serves on the city’s Planning Commission and has previously served on the city’s Board of Assessment and Review. He was also a longtime North Tonawanda School Board member, and served as School Board president in 2013.

The alderman vacancy was created Aug. 18 when Donna Braun resigned to become the city’s new clerk/treasurer. Her seat had been filled in the interim by 97-year-old WWII veteran William Gosch who submitted his resignation letter this week.

According to Council President Eric M. Zadzilka, the council received four resumes for the position. DiBernardo was nominated by Zadzilka, seconded by 1st Ward Alderman Robert Schmigel. Tylec nominated Zachary Niemiec, a Democrat and current member of the North Tonawanda School Board, but the nomination was not seconded. Niemiec had vied for Braun’s seat in the 2019 election, but came up short by 90 votes.

DiBernardo will be officially sworn in Sept. 15 prior to the council’s regular meeting.