Election 2023: Voccio seeks second term

Submitted by Chris Voccio

Niagara County Legislator Chris Voccio, who just finished his first year on the legislature, announced he is seeking reelection to represent the Sixth Legislative District.

Voccio, a Republican, served on the Niagara Falls City Council before running for Niagara County Legislator in 2021. He is endorsed by both the Conservative Party and the Republican Party.

“I’m proud of my first year on the legislature and I’m asking the voters to allow me to continue to serve them for a second term,” Voccio said.

In a reelection column provided to local media outlets, Voccio listed his accomplishments in his first year on the legislature, including pushing for tax relief, serving on the Land Bank board and helping Niagara Falls get more investments from the county.

“I’ve been a taxpayer watchdog on the City Council and on the County Legislature, and I will remain a strong voice for taxpayers,” Voccio said.

Voccio had a 30-year career in the private sector before running for City Council in 2017. He also holds an MBA from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

The legislator stated, “As a guy who had a long and successful career in the private sector, and as someone who believes in term limits, I don’t want to be in government for a very long time.

“After serving four years on the City Council – one term where I earned a reputation as a taxpayer watchdog – I was elected to the County Legislature. Today I’m asking you for a second term.

“I’m proud of my first year representing District 6.

“I was an early advocate for reducing the gas sales tax, putting money that would have gone to government back in the hands of taxpayers.

“We recently passed a county budget that actually lowered property tax rates.

“I am the only county legislator on the Niagara-Orleans Land Improvement Corp. board. We’re putting blighted properties in Niagara Falls in the hands of homeowners who will keep up their property and get those homes back on the tax rolls.

“My colleagues and I helped local small businesses get county grants that are sprucing up our business districts, improving the structural integrity of many older buildings and helping offset some of the damage of the COVID lockdowns.

“We’re helping local business associations and community organizations invest in our neighborhoods through a series of Community Partnership Fund allocations. These funds are helping groups throughout the district continue to serve our community.

“On a less-pleasant note, there is a rodent issue in Niagara Falls and, while this is not primarily a county issue, I’ve pushed the county to provide supplemental funding to help the city address the problem.

“I’m once again self-funding my campaign. I am beholden to no one. I’m proud of my independent streak. I have proven, time and again, that I am an independent thinker unafraid to buck the tide, to speak out on behalf of taxpayers.

“Unlike some politicians, I file my campaign finance forms as well as my financial disclosure forms, even pushing them out on social media. My coffee events show that I’m a believer in transparency even when I’m not up for reelection.

“I’m endorsed by the Conservative and Republican Parties. While some candidates switch parties for political gain, I’ve proven, time and again, to remain true to my principles. And I’ve proven I can sit down with all parties and discuss issues in a reasonable manner.

“Let’s not turn back the clock on progress. Let’s continue to move forward. Together. For a better, stronger Niagara Falls and Niagara County.

“I would greatly appreciate your support and vote in the upcoming primary and general elections. But no matter who you support, I will continue to remain your humble servant.”