Black Tie Gala Celebrates Citadel of Healing 2 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017

FREE JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017 VOL. 18, NO. 03 FREE Black Tie Gala Celebrates Citadel of Healing 2 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017

Wind Turbines Debated as Senator Robert Ortt assumes Energy Committee post

strengthens our energy system, reduces James Hufnagel greenhouse gas emissions, and jumpstarts local economic development." Following in the footsteps of his pre- The plan reports reports that, as decessor George Maziarz, Senator Rob- of 2011, wind was already 9% of New ert Ortt was named last week to the state York's renewable electricity portfolio, senate's powerful Standing Committee on well ahead of solar and geothermal, and Energy and Telecommunications, or En- KDVWKHSRWHQWLDOWRIXO¿OOKDOIUHDGWKDW ergy Committee, for short. again, half, of the state's total electricity "The (Energy Committee) oversees needs. the development of legislation and poli- Why then did Senator Ortt omit wind cy related to energy and communications energy from his statement announcing sectors. Committee members aim to pro- his appointment to the Senate Energy mote competitive markets, support pri- Committee? Could it have anything to do vate investment, streamline regulations, with the fact that he's allied himself with create jobs and keep consumer costs D 6RPHUVHW RXW¿W WKDW FDOOV LWVHOI 626 down. Priorities include modernizing the ("Save Ontario Shores"), a group of rural state’s energy generation, transmission 1,0%< V ZKR KDYH EHHQ ¿JKWLQJ WRRWK and distribution; facilitating expansion of and nail a wind turbine project slated for renewable and clean energy technologies; their tiny, isolated settlement? and expanding high-speed broadband and Senator Robert Ortt joins a protest against wind energy at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station last year. SOS, among many other arguments other new communication technologies and with Sen. Ortt's enthusiastic support to underserved areas of the state," says and advocacy, contends that windmills at ing our environment and ensuring local 170 asthma attacks, 9 hospital admissions the state senate website. Somerset would present an insurmount- UHVLGHQWV SOD\ D VLJQL¿FDQW UROH LQ GHFL- ($200,000), 7 cases of chronic bronchitis "I truly look forward to serving on able threat to operations at the Niagara sion-making," said Senator Ortt. and 8 asthma emergency room visits. the Senate Committee on Energy - on an Falls Air Reserve Station, a contention It's important to note that "continuing For decades, when the air was right, issue of vital importance to our commu- that's thoroughly refuted by the Air Force our region's success with traditional ma- Niagara County shoreline residents could nity and our entire state. With the greatest itself. jor sources of energy" as Sen. Ortt puts observe a brown pall, occupying an in- generating capacity in the state, the Niag- $WRSRI¿FHURIWKHORFDO$LU)RUFH it - at Somerset - undeniably refers to version layer immediately above the hori- ara Power Project is a substantial compo- Reserve unit said last week that the pos- the former AES, now Blackstone Group, zon, stretching clear across Lake Ontario nent of the state’s energy portfolio, and sible construction of wind turbines in GLUW\FRDO¿UHGSRZHUSODQWRQWKHVKRUHV all the way to Toronto. plays a critical role in the Western New Somerset and Yates will have no impact of Lake Ontario at the extreme isolated In addition, while giving a nod in his York economy. I’m dedicated to continu- on operations at the Niagara Falls Air Re- northeast corner of Niagara County. statement to solar and geothermal in his ing our region’s success with traditional serve Station," reported the Buffalo News According to "Find Your Risk from statement, Sen. Ortt conspicuously does major sources of energy - like Niagara on Oct 23, 2016. Power Plant Pollution," a 2011 study by not mention wind power. and Somerset - while exploring innova- Senator Ortt must weigh carefully the Abt Associates commissioned by the The 2015 New York State Energy tive technologies of tomorrow like solar needs of local constituents, as they rightly &OHDQ$LU7DVN)RUFHDQRQSUR¿WUHVHDUFK Plan charts the course to achieve a 40% and geo-thermal to maintain and create or wrongly perceive them, vis a vis the and advocacy organization, the Somer- reduction of greenhouse gas emissions good, local jobs. I believe we can meet necessity of limiting pollution, enhanc- VHW FRDO¿UHG SODQW WKDW 6HQDWRU 2UWW LV by the year 2030. The plan's Offshore WKHVLJQL¿FDQWFDSDFLW\GHPDQGVWKURXJK- ing public health and reversing climate "dedicated to continuing" was statistical- Wind Initiative "has the potential to be- out the state and that Western New York’s change which, after all, should be among ly responsible in 2010 for 11 deaths, in- come a major source of renewable pow- workforce and ingenuity will be a critical the goals of the Senate Energy Commit- cluding an estimated 19 heart attacks (at er for New York (the 15th windiest state part of it. We can do this while protect- tee. a public health cost of over $2 million), in the nation, according to the DEC) that

NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER

“The Truth is Always Fair”

CHAIRMAN & EDITOR IN CHIEF Frank Parlato

Managing Editor Senior Editor Dr. Chitra Selvaraj Tony Farina

phone: (716) 284-5595

PO Box 3083, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 email: [email protected] www.niagarafallsreporter.com

. 3 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017 Could Kiedrowski Step Back into NT Role? The ink on North Tonawanda 1st Ward Alderman Phillip "Russ" Riz- zo's resignation letter had barely dried Wednesday afternoon at NT City Hall before the rumor mill there began to churn out possible successors. One of the names rapidly rising to the top of some local oddsmakers, though, is a name familiar to many in Niagara County politics, and certainly in North Tonawanda: Scott P. Kiedrowski, the county Republican Party chairman, former city clerk-treasurer, and current Western Region OTB vice president. NT's city council will have its hands full in coming weeks. Rizzo's departure is WKHVHFRQGKLJKSUR¿OHUHVLJQDWLRQIURP city government in as many weeks. It fol- lows the surprise departure of Alderwom- an Catherine Schwandt, who left because RISRWHQWLDOFRQÀLFWVZLWKKHUMREDWWKH New York Power Authority. Making matters tougher is that Riz- zo, a sort of elder statesman in NT politics, who served on the Common Council in two different eras, bracketing a single term in the Niagara County Legislature, will be, according to both Republican faithful and Lumber City Democrats, Scott Kiedorwski, VP of Batavia Downs, Niagara County GOP Chairman and possibly the man who will be selected to re- GLI¿FXOW IRU WKH ORFDO *23 PDFKLQH WR place the retiring Russ Rizzo as Alderman in North Tonawanda, with Rep. Chris Collins. UHSODFH 7KH JUDQGIDWKHUO\ ¿JXUH²ZKR OHDYHV RI¿FH DIWHU GRLQJ EDWWOH ZLWK D porter was unable to reach Kiedrowski the newly-elected state senator's chief of out to several North Tonawanda alder- EUDLQWXPRU²ZDVSRSXODUZLWKPDQ\LQ before deadline. staff. men, but only reached new Council Pres- Niagara County's second city. When the Reporter contacted Carney The stint with Ortt was followed ident Eric Zadzilka, who represents the "Russ was very often 'Mr. North about the rumors that Kiedrowski might E\ WKH JLJ DW :527%²D SRVW ZKHUH city's 3rd Ward. Zadzilka refused to spec- Tonawanda,'" NT GOP Chairman Mike be appointed, the city chairman punted. Kiedrowski was reunited with another ulate on who would succeed Rizzo, say- Carney said in a prepared statement. "He "That's a decision both Scott and the longtime political ally: former Niagara ing only, "Today is about Russ. Tomor- also did a fantastic job getting back to his Council would have to make," Carney County Republican Party Chairman Hen- URZZH OOVWDUWWRSXWWRJHWKHUDSODQWR¿OO constituents, calling them back, staying told us. "Obviously, I've known Scott for ry Wojtaszek, a local political kingmaker two vacancies. But it would be premature on top of their issues. He challenged our years, and have a deep respect for him, who leaned heavily on Kiedrowski as his to even speculate." Republican-led city government to work but the appointment would be a decision elections commissioner. Sounds like Kiedrowski to us... and as diligently as he did." for the Common Council, not the party. This newspaper attempted to reach not a bad choice at that... 7R VXFFHHG VXFK D SRSXODU ¿JXUH And I'm sure Scott wouldn't make a deci- who won his last race for reelection by 22 sion to apply for that post lightly." percentage points, Republicans may need Kiedrowski's political résumé is WRWDSDNQRZQTXDQWLW\LQFLW\SROLWLFV² impressive. A former city alderman, he particularly in the city's 1st Ward, where went on to serve as the GOP's elections city Democrats have long found their commissioner in Lockport for the better most favorable terrain. part of a decade, before returning to his As a highly-placed NT City Hall hometown to serve as clerk-treasurer af- Republican told us Wednesday night, ter newly-elected Mayor Rob Ortt defeat- .LHGURZVNLVHHPVWR¿WWKDWPROG ed Soos and vacated the clerk-treasurer "Scottie took 70 percent citywide the RI¿FHKHKDGRQFHKHOG ODVW WLPH KH UDQ WKH FLW\ RI¿FLDO VDLG Kiedrowski went on to comfortably "That included the 1st Ward, where he win back-to-back elections for the post, won every single district. With him, Re- before again following Ortt to serve as publicans won't have to worry about the Democrats skunking us." A quick check of county Board of (OHFWLRQVUHFRUGVYHUL¿HVZKDWZHZHUH told. Kiedrowski carried every single one of ten voting districts in North Tonawa- nda's 1st Ward, often by a two-to-one or better margin, against Democrat Gregg R. Schnitzer. Schnitzer served as secretary to former Mayor Larry Soos, the ODVW'HPRFUDWWRKROGWKDWRI¿FHLQDFLW\ where Republicans have come to domi- If the whole world stands nate in recent years. against you sword in hand, Despite repeated attempts, the Re- would you still dare to do what you think is right? 4 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017

MORINELLO: CAPITOL HALLS ARE Letter to the Editor SILENT ON ETHICS REFORMS

The silence is so noticeable you can the need for realistic ethics reform." hear a pin drop. Morinello noted that items that should That's how Assemblyman Angelo J. be on the table for consideration include Morinello (R,C,I,Ref-Niagara Falls) is de- WHUPOLPLWVIRUDOOHOHFWHGRI¿FLDOVOLPLWLQJ scribing the lack of will or urgency to com- the amount of special interest money in the bat Albany corruption, and enact realistic political process by lowering the contribu- and meaningful ethics reform during the WLRQUDWHVWULSSLQJSHQVLRQVIURPRI¿FLDOV opening weeks of session. Morinello noted convicted of felonies pertaining to their po- over the last several weeks many state lead- VLWLRQLQRI¿FHDQGHQGLQJWKHELGULJJLQJ ers have outlined proposals to spend billions process that has been the subject of multiple in taxpayer dollars on headline-grabbing investigations by federal prosecutors over proposals without a responsible spending the last year. plan to back it up. Last October, nine members of the Morniello expressed disappointment governor's economic team were arrested that proposals from state leaders lacked in violation of New York's ethics laws. Af- teeth to combat the pervasive corrup- ter shining a light on the Buffalo Billion's tion that plagues the state Capitol, instead development plan, New Yorkers were able choosing to focus on proposals like free to see how deeply rooted corruption is in college tuition for illegal citizens and in- the decision making processes of the state's centivizing movie theaters to serve alcohol. government. "It's troubling to see how many Albany Morniello has already drafted legisla- Mark Briglio their jobs. But when people retire, that is the time to look to save labor costs. After politicians have such short-term memories. tion that will be comprehensive and realis- Concerned Citizen of Lewiston I arrived in Albany with high hopes to join WLFDQG¿OOWKHYRLGOHIWE\VWDWHOHDGHUVLQ just having forced a tax on us, they re- an effort in responding to the most critical their watered-down proposals. placed two retirees (and I hear that it may issue of ethics reform, but it's disheartening :H YHVSHQWWKH¿UVWWZRZHHNVRIVHV- Citizens of Lewiston, not have been people who even live in to report that so few legislators really take sion passing bills that make political state- In December of 2015, after the de- Lewiston and got stuck paying the Brod- combating corruption seriously," said Mo- ments but have no bearing on how we're parture of former Supervisor Brochey and erick/Bax tax). rinello. "Senator Ortt and I have been work- going to make New York more affordable, my removal by the Board Republicans as Why did this group not bring their de- ing relentlessly on proposals and policies less taxed and not as corrupt. We have to acting Supervisor/Deputy Supervisor, the cisions to the public and explain to all of that would protect the taxpayer from abuse reverse that trend in the coming weeks be- town's cash reserve was liquidated to cov- us what they were about to do and what E\SXEOLFRI¿FLDOV:KLOHRWKHUVPD\KDYH cause anything less would be disrespectful er the board's overspending over the prior other alternatives were out there? I con- set their sights on other priorities, Senator to New Yorkers." many years. Then, acting Supervisor Ron sider myself a conservative Democrat, Ortt and I have a serious understanding for Winkley, with Board approval, passed a and the powers that be at Town Hall ran resolution to deplete the cash reserves for IRURI¿FHPDGHSURPLVHVWKDWWKH\ZRXOG DTXLFN¿[DQGUROHGWKHSUREOHPVLQWRWKH take a conservative approach as well, next year. however, raising taxes and not cutting Now, in 2016, why didn't the new spending is the opposite of that rule. supervisor and the senior board members 5RE0RUUHDOHLQKLV¿UVW\HDURIRI¿FH look at where they could cut spending has been the only Board member to ques- without having major impacts on services, tion and challenge the irrational business and share the results with the public? practices and lack of conversation sur- The Ice Rink was a poor effort and as rounding the tax increase, the hiring of at- we all know, an incorrect one. The fact that torneys from outside of Lewiston at great $18,000 was unaccounted for, and sud- expense, and the hiring of employees to denly "found" to extend the rink hours, is replace retirees rather than putting on a just shocking and scary. Who is minding KLULQJ IUHH]H XQWLO ¿QDQFHV JHW VWUDLJKW- the bank? Would any of us lose track of ened out. We certainly would all do those WKRVHNLQGVRIGROODUV²LIZHKDGWKHPWR kinds of things if it were our own mon- VWDUWZLWK"$UHWKHUHDUHDVLQVWDI¿QJWKDW H\²ZK\DUHWKHHOHFWHGRI¿FLDOVWUHDWLQJ could have been reduced? Were they hold- taxpayers' money this way? I think it's ing the department heads accountable for time the public steps up and make their looking at their budgets and seeing where voice heard during the next elections. they can be more conservative? Why have I know that I will be voting to make these questions - and their answers, if they some changes and look at business-mind- exist - not been shared with the public, ed conservatives to be part of our local and why pass a new Broderick/Bax Tax government. without taking a conservative approach in I don't understand why senior board spending and hiring or downsizing? members continue to agree to spend more They continue to hire – at least two and not make any cuts and expect the people this year - and spend more mon- people of Lewiston to absorb the even- ey at the expense of the taxpayers. That tual liabilities of their poor choices, and is the easy - and I don't like to say it - the weak managerial skills in forecasting and lazy answer. Why not run the town like budgeting. a business and follow some basic busi- It's time for some true changes in ness minded processes? In this matter it 2017. If they cannot follow basic busi- would have been feasible to demand that ness rules prior to making decisions that each department cut spending and assess impact every citizen, then they need to headcounts, and discuss making some be replaced. It's time to elect more busi- hard decisions. I cannot answer past this ness-minded people to government in thought because it never happened and Lewiston. They should explore the size of they moved right to taxation with no in- government and its spending practices be- vestigation! IRUHLQÀLFWLQJKLJKHUWD[HVRQRXUFLWL]HQV I am not saying people needed to lose Thank you. 5 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017

Local Leaders Blast Cuomo for Shifting Cost Burdens to Local Taxpayers

Local leaders are said to be fuming and ignoring the huge cost of state man- about Gov. Cuomo's State of the State ad- dates, the plan does nothing." GUHVV²GHOLYHUHGXQFRQYHQWLRQDOO\LQ%XI- The News editorial's exact verbiage IDOR²DIWHUKHLQVHUWHGDGHPDQGWKDWORFDO was actually stronger: "[Cuomo's proposal] governments hold referenda ostensibly de- pays no mind to the unfunded state man- signed to cut local tax bills. dates that fall like acid rain on local govern- "Cuomo's plan doesn't cut [excre- ments." Despite this, the editorial dripped PHQW@DIUXVWUDWHGFRXQW\RI¿FLDOWROGXV with praise for the Queens politician cur- Wednesday. "Meanwhile, he's the biggest rently occupying the governor's mansion. cost-driver in the state." The plan did come in for some dement- The plan, which Cuomo trotted out at ed praise from one Democratic county law- the Buffalo State of the State speech, would maker, though, who told the Reporter, "The require county leaders to devise ways to nice thing about being in the minority is we consolidate or share services with the mu- GRQ WKDYHWR¿JXUHRXWKRZWRSD\IRULW nicipalities inside their borders. While that When asked if local Democrats would criti- sounds commendable enough, county bud- cize Republican efforts to characterize Cuo- JHWRI¿FLDOVZHWDONHGWRVDLGWKHLPSDFWRI mo's mandate as inadequate, the legislator any likely service sharing would be negligi- answered with a shoulder shrug and a grin. ble across tax bills. Local politicians aren't alone in their "You're talking about saving the tax- distress over Cuomo's plan, either. The Randy Bradt payers far less than a penny per $1000 on 1HZ

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Gala a Ringing Success

-Henry Wojtaszek, political power Tony Farina broker and president and CEO of West- ern OTB The Niagara Falls Memorial Medi- -Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster, cal Center's marquee event, the Premier, Lewiston Mayor Terry Collesano, and was a star-studded success last Saturday former Lewiston Mayor Dick Soluri night at the Seneca Niagara Casino, at- -Former State Sen. George Maziarz tracting close to 1,000 people who clearly -Niagara County Legislator Dennis had a wonderful time contributing and Virtuoso mingling with some of the area's biggest -Paul Grenga of the One Niagara names as well as many guests from the Welcome Center everyday world. -Restaurateur Russ Salvatore Ch. 2 news anchor Maryalice Dem- Memorial Medical Center is the only ler once again served as emcee and she hospital in Niagara Falls and the leading kept things moving quite nicely after the teaching hospital in Niagara County. The guests had enjoyed a superb dinner, in- 171-bed hospital has an adjacent 120-bed troducing Memorial President and CEO skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility Joseph Ruffolo who outlined the major (Schoellkopf) and outpatient centers in advancements at the Medical Center, in- Niagara Falls, Lewiston, Town of Niag- cluding the opening in 2016 of the new DUD:KHDW¿HOG*UDQG,VODQGDQG1RUWK Golisano Center for Community Health, Tonawanda. the result of the $3.5 million lead gift 7KLVIDOO0HPRULDOZLOODGPLWLWV¿UVW from former Sabres owner Tom Golisano. patients to an all-new $4.3 million inpa- Ruffolo also spoke of the contribu- WLHQW&DUGLDF6WURNH&DUHÀRRUIHDWXULQJ tions to the hospital and the community 25 rooms and a rehabilitation therapy fa- by the gala's top award recipients, attor- cility to encourage quicker patient recov- ney James Roscetti and Dr. Komal Chan- ery. dan. Roscetti, a partner in the Roscetti & Judging from Saturday night's turn- 'H&DWURODZ¿UPDOVRVHUYHVDVFKDLUPDQ out, people throughout the area have of the board of the hospital. Dr. Chandan, come to recognize and appreciate the role a family practice physician, currently that Memorial is playing in the commu- serves as medical director of Memorial's nity when it come to health care. It was Schoellkopf Health Center. an event that shined brightly and helped It would be near impossible to name focus attention on the good work that this all of the celebrity guests in attendance, facility is doing for all of its patients. but they included: James Roscetti and Dr. Komal Chandan… Memorial Gala honorees with their awards

Henry and Caroline Wojtaszek… attend Gala 7 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017

Mayor Paul Dyster… enjoys gala dinner

Dick Soluri and Paul Grenga… James Roscetti and George enjoying Memorial Gala Maziarz… honoree with former state senator.

James Roscetti and Michael Roscetti… father and son at Gala

Michael and Michele Gawel… at Memorial dinner 8 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017

Niagara Falls

! Jokes When construction crews unearthed met- DOEDUUHOVZKLOH¿QLVKLQJXSH[SDQVLRQRUWKH & VRXWK 0RVHV 3DUNZD\ WUDI¿F FLUFOH 0D\RU Dyster dropped everything and rushed over there - he thought they might be kegs. / 6

$ *** !( !! ! ! !& Two men are in a Niagara Falls bar. One ! !/ says "A girl I met in Buffalo gave me a sex- !6 !$ ually transmitted disease." His friend replies "You're lucky. I've got Obamacare. I have to ! ( pay for it!" !

& ***

/ 6 $

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3" The Niagara Falls City Council was con- ! 4 cerned. # # It's been almost a year since the new park- & 5 5 ing meters were installed on the streets, and so / 2' ' !! " 6 0000" . far, the Dyster administration hasn't reported ! # $ 000000" . any revenue from them whatsoever. So Coun- !$ %& ' !( %$ 1# " . 000001 cil Chairman Charles Walker called up Mayor ( )*' ' ' ! 00000+7 Dyster and asked him for an accounting. ! + !& ' "It's like I told you people when I con- , ' ! & vinced you to vote for them," said the mayor, !/ ' - '. .' !6 ' "in one year, those meters will have paid for / '. .' ! ' themselves!" ( 2 . $ 0000" . & 8 *** 1 . ' 1 # ' 6 7 ( ' ! . ) Tomorrow, Donald Trump takes the oath + +.' RIRI¿FHDQGZLOOEHFRPHWKHPRVWSRZHUIXO & 2 . individual in the world. You can read all about it in the newspapers, as well as the Book of Revelation. Answers to appear on the Niagara Falls Reporter *** website this weekend www.niagarafallsreporter.com A cannibal went into the butcher shop to buy some brains to make for her family for dinner that night. She looked at the display of brains and saw that Buffalo brains were $4.95 per lb, the average Niagara Falls brains were $4.90 per lb, but Dyster supporter brains were $450.00 per lb. She gasped and asked the butcher if the “Such was the will of the price of the Dyster supporter brains was a mis- Father that his Son, blessed print. and glorious, whom he gave "No ma'am," answered the butcher. "That to us, and who was born for is the correct price." "Well, why are the brains of Dyster sup- us, should by his own blood, porters so expensive?" exclaimed the cannibal. VDFUL¿FHDQGREODWLRQRIIHU "Do you know how many Dyster support- himself on the altar of the ers it takes to get a pound of brains!?" replied cross, not for himself, by whom the butcher. “all things were made,” but for our sins, leaving us an example *** that we should follow his steps.” Q: What are McDonald's employees now asking customers in Niagara Falls? St Francis of Assisi A: Can you afford fries with that? 9 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017 10 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017

RIZZO TO EXIT NT COUNCIL NT REPUBLICANS LAUD RIZZO'S RECORD IN Alderman: 'Accomplished What I Set Out to Do' OFFICE

1257+ 721$:$1'$²$OGHUPDQ fair share of challenges this year, but was re- Phillip R. "Russ" Rizzo will retire from public cently given a clean bill of health by my doc- service next month, and released the follow- tor. While I have loved working to make NT ing statement: a stronger community, this gave me the op- "Serving my neighbors in North Tonawa- SRUWXQLW\WRUHÀHFWDQG,FDPHWRWKHUHDOL]D- nda has been the greatest privilege of my life. tion that I had accomplished all the goals I set I have always strived to deliver effective rep- ZKHQ,¿UVWGHFLGHGWRUXQIRURI¿FH resentation for the 1st Ward and principled "That realization, and a belief that our leadership for our city as Council President. city would be well served by bringing in 1257+721$:$1'$²7KHGHFLVLRQ homeowners." In particular, I'm proud that on my watch, some fresh ideas, is why I have decided to E\ORQJWLPHSROLWLFDO¿[WXUH3KLOLS55XVV Chairman Carney then rattled off a list ZH DOOHYLDWHG ÀRRGLQJ LVVXHV RQ :LWPHU PDNH )HEUXDU\ QG P\ ODVW GD\ LQ RI¿FH , Rizzo to retire from public life marks the end of Rizzo's boldest accomplishments, includ- Road, gave our auxiliary police the tools they wish Mayor Pappas and my colleagues on of a great career in civic service, and is a bit- ing spearheading initiatives that redeveloped needed, and continued our progress in rede- the Council success in all things, and I leave tersweet occasion for local Republicans and the marina at Gratwick-Riverside Park and veloping North Tonawanda's downtown into with nothing but love for this great city and the North Tonawanda community, the head secured a long-term lease to open a restaurant an upscale destination. her people." of the Lumber City's Republican Party said there, efforts to equip auxiliary police and the "As many of you know, I have had my tonight. *UDWZLFN+RVHYROXQWHHU¿UHFRPSDQ\DQG "Russ Rizzo's passion for improving this his strong advocacy for re-launching the Ca- community and helping his neighbors always nalside Concert Series. set him apart as a leader," NT Republican "Russ was very often 'Mr. North Tonawa- Chairman Mike Carney said, after Rizzo in- nda,'" Chairman Carney said. "He also did a formed him of his decision to step down from fantastic job getting back to his constituents, the city's Common Council, just days after calling them back, staying on top of their is- declining to seek another term as the body's sues. He challenged our Republican-led city president. "He will be sorely missed." government to work as diligently as he did." Chairman Carney pointed to Rizzo's re- Chairman Carney added that he wished cord, including his success, during his sole Rizzo happiness in retirement. term as a county legislator, in brokering a deal "Russ has earned some time for himself EHWZHHQWKHFLW\:KHDW¿HOG1LDJDUD&RXQW\ and his family," Chairman Carney said. "He DQGVWDWHUHSUHVHQWDWLYHVWRDOOHYLDWHÀRRGLQJ made our community a better place to live; RQ:LWPHU5RDG²VRPHWKLQJ5L]]RKDVORQJ now he deserves to go out and enjoy that KHOGXSDVKLVSURXGHVWDFFRPSOLVKPHQW²DV fact." evidence of the lawmaker's tenacity. "Russ didn't believe people when they told him something was too ambitious," Chairman Carney said. "He saw govern- PHQW VMREDV¿[LQJSUREOHPVDQGSURWHFWLQJ

The world is ready to give up its secrets if we only know how to knock, how to give it the necessary blow. The strength and force of the blow come through concentration. -- Swami Vivekananda 11 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017

CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT TRUMP AND AMERICA!!! and will not appoint ANY radicals or mil- itants who want to "change America" to any positions, especially "CIA Director" or "Homeland Security" or "Chief Advi- sor"! He will not support any white militant or black militant or red militant or any other radical "asshole" who wants to make America something it is NOT! He will call out liars, for what they are... liars. He will ban fake reporters and fake news media that report opinion as fact, lies as truth and alter what the White House reports... from attending White These are my opinions and the opin- House Press Conferences and travel ions of a lot of Americans... with the President! He will do that with What a relief... we again have a Pres- the support of Americans who believe in ident who was born here, is a Christian, freedom of the "truthful" press and who believes in: our Rule of Law, the Consti- want to know the real news and not what tution, the Bill of Rights, free enterprise, opinions Chris Mathews, George Steph- a strong military, loves our veterans as anopoulos, Chuck Todd or others like a right for non-citizens to enter the US, it ANY religion or group or ethnic origin of well as all other Americans, and who them have! is a privilege that we the people grant to people or individuals who want to enter knows how to pronounce "Corpsman"! He will put the health, welfare and those we want here. our country to change our government +H KDV DQ RULJLQDO YHUL¿DEOH XQDOWHUHG the security of the American people and We have the Right to "Life, Liber- or Rule of Law by force, violence or in- ELUWK FHUWL¿FDWH D OHJLW 6RFLDO 6HFXULW\ RXU FRXQWU\ ¿UVW DQG IRUHPRVW DQG QRW ty, and the pursuit of Happiness" which timidation! That includes anyone who card, and an unaltered Selective Service Spotted Owls, Smelt and outrageous means we have the right to use our cost preaches or practices a tyrannical form card! He will proudly show you his col- environmental beliefs! Instead of Politi- effective, readily available, clean energy of government against our Rule of Law lege records and probably his passport! cal Correctness he will utilize Common resources like coal, oil, natural gas and with no separation of Church and State He knows how to create businesses and Sense when deciding how to utilize our our advanced nuclear technology! and demands death to those who refuse jobs... he knows how to recognize and God-given, enormous natural resources We the people, through our elect- to comply! appoint patriotic, capable Americans to and who and what should NOT be al- ed President and his proclamation, have May God Bless PRESIDENT his staff and jobs critical to our security, lowed into the United States. It is NOT the right, the responsibility and the law TRUMP! (Public Law 414) to ban and remove 12 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017 Attempted Smear of Elected Official with Opposite Political Views Fails Frank Parlato retweeting something vile, masquerading around with her peers." as some sort of sick humor. “Nip slip” After she found out that others could Recently the Reporter/Artvoice re- and “leaked nude” as captions to a picture see the picture on her Twitter page (which ceived an email alleging that a prominent, of a little girl with her dress which slipped she had been blocked from seeing) LEO ORFDO HOHFWHG RI¿FLDO /(2 KDG FKLOG down low. made her Twitter page private. porn on her Twitter page. In response to our query, LEO ex- "We live in a terrible world where Calling her a "sicko" and saying she plained that she did not realize the picture irresponsible people promulgate half- "should be nowhere near children", the was on her Twitter page. In fact, she could truths, rumors, innuendo and malicious email referenced a retweet by the LEO not see it, she said, because the teenag- gossip with no care for the consequences which we were assured contained an il- er who had sent it had for some reason of their actions or the people they hurt. licit photo of a little girl. blocked her. The picture was invisible on Thank you for your journalistic integrity," Examining LEO's Twitter page, her Twitter account to her, yet visible to she wrote to Artvoice. the Reporter found a plethora of politi- others. It would have been an easy matter to cal tweets and retweets in praise of Hil- The girl in the picture, she further have simply published a screen shot of lary Clinton, and Barack and Michelle explained, was her daughter, at age three, LEO's Twitter page (with the little girl's Obama. Scrolling back to mid-2014, Art- taken years before. Her retweet of it was image blurred, of course) including the voice found the retweet in question. It was directed to the teenage girl, a friend of her "nip slip" and "leaked nude" comments Twitter is an online news and a picture of a little girl, laughing, wearing daughter's, who somehow had the pic- linked to the picture of a child which ap- social networking service where DQRYHUVL]HGORRVH¿WWLQJGUHVV+DGLW ture, made the juvenile comments, and peared as LEO’s retweet. users post and interact with mes- sages, "tweets," restricted to 140 not been for a comment above the picture, tweeted it. This might have lighted up social LEO said, "I did not intend to retweet media and gotten talked about in coffee characters. Registered users can "nip slip", we would not have noticed the post tweets, and anyone can read the context of the text, but was simply shops, bars and around water coolers, and child's dress would, if worn by a woman, them. There is a glitch in the Twit- be hanging too low (A 'nip slip' is when asking... where she obtained the photo." LEO would have been left to explain. ter system which allows one user an adult female nipple accidentally slips By the time the Reporter/Artvoice It would also been the height of un- to block the tweets from the sight RXWIURPXQGHUDORRVH¿WWLQJJDUPHQW looked into this, the photo (thanks to the fairness. of another user yet allows the rest The tweet had initially been sent to teen) had already been discussed by some We mention this only because the sto- of the world to see the post - right the LEO by a teenage girl. A second com- of her political opponents, and alluded to, ry changed upon more and fuller exam- on the user's twitter page. That's ment above the child's picture, "warning it is believed, on social media. LEO said ination and inquiry. LEO looked guilty, what happened to LEO. A post with leaked nudes attached," made it seem that it had been mentioned on the radio. then stupid, then innocent or wrongdoing, a picture that her enemies were saying was child porn was not this tweet was intended as some kind of She told us, "I strenuously object to which was the truth after all. any inference, innuendo or allegation this Regardless of our political beliefs, visible to her on her own Twitter juvenile humor, but it was such that it page but visible to everyone else innocent family photo constitutes child the truth is always fair, and above all must might attract the perverted as well. Why not blocked by the user who sent did LEO, an adult, retweet it? pornography. [The] child who wrote and be our only goal. the original tweet with the picture $W ¿UVW EOXVK LW ORRNHG OLNH /(2 posted the language associated with this to LEO. might be guilty of (at the very least) picture ... told me she was just joking 13 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017

Tuscarora History subject of Lewiston talk

Neil Patterson, Sr.

Neil Patterson, Sr., a member of the Tus- carora Council, will present "Little Known Facts in Tuscarora History" at the Lutheran Church at 915 Oneida St., Lewiston on Thurs- day, January 26 at 7pm. Much of local Tuscarora history has been written by white people, with little or no input from the Tuscaroras. Council member Neil Patterson, Sr., will present Native American viewpoints on a number of interesting topics and issues that have impacted the Tuscarora Nation over the centuries. Mr. Patterson is from the Sand Turtle Clan and a member of the governing Tuscarora Council. He is a retired millwright and worked as a consultant during the construction of the new Tuscarora Nation House. In addition, he has been the coordinator of the Tuscarora Na- tion Picnic & Field Days for over 30 years. Neil and his wife, Francine, a clan mother, KDYHWKUHHFKLOGUHQDQG¿YHJUDQGFKLOGUHQ In 2009, Neil began a four-year collabo- ration with the Historical Association of Lew- iston and the Village and Town of Lewiston to complete the Tuscarora Heroes Monument in time to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the heroic actions by Nation in saving the lives of local Lewiston settlers. This event is free and open to all. Refresh- ments will be served. Come join us, and review fascinating Tus- carora history with his presentation. 14 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017

Former Legislator Ceretto apparently not to answer for alleged campaign ethics breaches Obituaries & In Memoriams

DENNIS J. MORABITO JR. Entered into rest January 16, 2017

MORABITO friends may visit the LOMBARDO FU- - Dennis J. Jr. Of NERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel), Tonawanda, entered 885 Niagara Falls Blvd. near Eggert/ into rest January 16, Sheridan Dr., on Friday from 3-8 PM. 2017, loving son of A Mass of Christian Burial will be cel- Assemblyman John Ceretto's not too happy about being one of the only state leg- Lorraine (Darwin) ebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church, LVODWRUVWRORVHKLVVHDWODVW\HDU/XFNIRUKLPKLVSHQVLRQZLOOFRQWLQXHWRÀRZHU Pyc and the late Den- 263 Claremont Ave., Tonawanda, on in his new State Parks position, a reward for his 2015 defection from the Republi- nis J. Morabito Sr.; Saturday morning at 9:30 o'clock. cans to the Democrats. dear brother of Michele Morabito; fond (Please assemble at church.) Entomb- stepbrother of Chad (Amy) Pyc and ment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Online James Hufnagel The accusations against Ceretto don't stop there. An email emanating from the keyboard Brandon (Elizabeth) Pyc; also survived condolences at www.lombardofuneral- of Ceretto aide Robert Nichols, impugning by several aunts, uncles, nieces, neph- home.com :KHQ5LFKDUG1L[RQOHIWRI¿FHVRPH Senator Robert Ortt, was copied to an individ- ews, cousins and friends. Relatives and years ago, he was spared criminal prosecution ual named Alex Sutherland, a staffer for the thanks to a presidential pardon issued by his state Assembly leadership. Fancying himself successor, Gerald Ford. some kind of shrewd political operator, Nich- To the best of our knowledge, John Cer- ols muses about how about a certain state bud- etto has received no such pardon from the out- get request for the city of Niagara Falls might RONALD A. GRIFFO SR. going Barack Obama. So why isn't Ceretto be- impact his boss's electoral prospects, directly ing investigated for campaign law violations PDNLQJSROLWLFDOSRLQWVRQRI¿FLDOVWDWHHPDLO Entered into rest January 18, 2017 allegedly committed during his futile re-elec- Sutherland admonished Nichols, "In the tion bid this past fall? future, nothing political in nature can be dis- GRIFFO - Ron- and Jennie Griffo; dear brother of Mar- In late October, 2016, less than a month cussed through state email," nailing down the before the election that was ultimately won by fact that a violation did occur. ald A., Sr. Of Ken- lene Potwora and the late Bart (Kathi) challenger Angelo Morinello, a former Cer- more, entered into Griffo Jr.; also survived by relatives and +RZHYHU QRW RQO\ GLG &HUHWWR QRW ¿UH etto employee blew the whistle on possible Nichols after all his chicanery was exposed, rest on January 18, friends. Relatives and friends may visit illegal activities which included, according but Nichols remained on staff through the 2017, beloved hus- the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME to news reports, "several" campaign meetings remainder of Ceretto's term, even accompa- band of Paula (nee (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara KHOGLQ$VVHPEO\PDQ&HUHWWR VRI¿FHZKHUH nying him on occasion to community events, Terreri) Griffo; de- Falls Blvd. near Eggert/Sheridan Dr. on invitations to a political fundraiser were al- albeit where the two men were pretty much voted father of Ra- Saturday from 2-5 PM for a gathering in legedly created on government computer and shunned. printer and mailed using state postage, as well Around the same time Ceretto and Nich- chel Griffo, Ronald A. (Jacquelyn) Ronald's memory. Online condolences DVWKHDOOHJHGXVHRIDQRI¿FHSKRQHWRVROLFLW Griffo, Jr.; loving son of the late Bart at lombardofuneralhome.com ols were playing fast and loose with campaign campaign donors. regulations, the state Legislative Ethics Com- "That clearly is a violation of the Public PLVVLRQ ODVW \HDU ¿QHG GLVJUDFHG$VVHPEO\- 2I¿FHUV /DZ VWDWHG $VVHPEO\PDQ %ULDQ man Dennis Gabryszak $30,000 for using Kolb, leader of the Republican minority, "He RI¿FHUHVRXUFHVLQFOXGLQJSKRQHVFRPSXWHUV (should) be subject to an ethics investigation." and printers, to aid his political campaigns, the DONALD G. MCGRATH How does the Reporter know that ex-As- very same infractions of which John Ceretto semblyman Ceretto is not being investigated? appears guilty as sin. Because we asked the very same "disgruntled Entered into rest January 18, 2017 Not only does it appear John Ceretto is past employee" (Ceretto's words), who leaked going to escape scrutiny for cheating that took the potentially incriminating emails to the lo- McGRATH - Donald G. of Amherst, NY, (Gregory) Joseph; kind grandfather of Isabel- place prior to his ignominious defeat, one of cal press that effectively ended his legislative passed away on January 13, 2017. Beloved la, Taylor, Michael, Max, Matthew, Casey, only two of 150 incumbent Assemblymem- career, if there was any word on whether Cer- husband of 34 years and best friend of Ros- Alec, and Brady. Caring relatives and friends EHUVZKRZHUHERXQFHGIURPRI¿FHODVW\HDU etto is the subject of a probe into his question- lyn (nee Filadora) McGrath; devoted and re- may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL but Ceretto was rewarded for his conniving able campaign practices. vered father of Kevin Pascal McGrath, Esq. HOME, 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, with a cushy State Parks patronage position If there was an ongoing investigation of (Kristin) of New York City; and Donald (Su- NY, on Thursday from 2-7 PM. A Mass of literally days into his forced retirement. Ceretto's apparent transgressions, it stands to san) McGrath of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, Brian Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ Of course, if you're a connected politi- reason that by now, the one-time Ceretto chief (Kimberly) McGrath, MD of Clarence, NY, the King Church, 30 Lamarck Drive at Main cian in New York State, that's often the way of staff who exposed his wheeling and dealing 5RELQ (GZDUG 6R¿RRI&KDUORWWH1&$OOL- Street, Snyder, NY, on Friday morning at 9:30 things go, as City Councilman Charles Walk- would have been interviewed, by either the son Deckman, CPA of Chattanooga, TN; dear AM. Please assemble at church. Interment at er found out this month, plea-bargaining four NYS Joint Commission on Public Ethics or son of the late Gabriel and LaVada McGrath; Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Mr. McGrath was PLVGHPHDQRU FRXQWV IRU IDLOLQJ WR ¿OH FDP- WKHVWDWH$WWRUQH\*HQHUDO VRI¿FHEXWDFFRUG- benevolent brother of Diane (late Francis) a practicing lawyer for 54 years and served paign contribution reports down to a single ing to the former key aide, no such communi- Sheehan and the late G. William (late Jacque- in the U.S. Army. Flowers are gratefully de- YLRODWLRQLQFXUULQJD¿QH+HZDVVXE- cation has taken place. line) McGrath; loving son-in-law of Concetta clined. If desired, donations may be made to sequently named City Council Chair. Did she think an investigation might be (late Pascal) Filadora; wonderful brother-in- the City Mission or to the Erie County Bar Welcome back, my friends, to the show forthcoming? law of Marianne (Alfonso) Oddo and Patricia Foundation in memory of Mr. McGrath's en- that never ends... "I would bet no, since he lost the elec- during dedication to the legal profession. tion." 15 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER JAN 19, 2017 - JAN 25, 2017 CLASSIFIEDS Stu, 1, 2, 3 Bdrm offered SERVICES Unfurnished Apts Fulltime maintenance staff for sale No Dogs Please Call for Availability / Current PARKVIEW APARTMENTS - Now taking Prices HOUSE FOR SALE - ELMA NY, 4 Applications for late 2016 move ins. bedroom cape, Iroquois schools, quiet st., PLUMBING Newly renovated One, Two, and Three (716) 884-9100 hrdwd flrs, lg screened back porch, 2.5 bedroom apartment homes available! [email protected] car garage, shed, beautiful yard, zillow. Need work done? 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