CHEEK DEMS! -News releases
THE 2007 CAMPAIGN SEASON KICKS OFF THIS MONDAY IN CHEEKTOWAGA!
January 5...On Monday January 8 the Democratic Committee convenes to begin what will be a very spirited and
active campaign season. But while fall elections are still off in the distance, on the immediate agenda is one item
of great importance, and that is who will be leading our town government.
As everyone knows, Dennis Gabryszak is now our State Assemblyman, and that means that the onus is on the
Town Board to name a successor until the voters can settle on choosing a new Supervisor this November.
And this is where the role of the Committeemen plays a huge part in things. Certainly, being a member of the
Committee means voting to endorse candidates for the Democratic slate come election time, but when a vacancy
occurs, it also means that Committeeman get a say on who the individual to fill the post gets to be.
The opportunity to name a new Supervisor is not something to be taken lightly. This vacancy provides us an
historic opportunity to look back on what we have accomplished, where we are today as a town government and a
political entity, and what we want to shape for our community moving forward.
Only four men have held the post of Cheektowaga Town Supervisor in the past 45 years. Each of them have made
an indelible mark on our town, and even though the individual the Committee recommends for Supervisor this
Monday will only be placed into a one year caretaker role, it is important that we name the best and the brightest to
serve as our new leader.
You may be receiving solicitations from candidates for the office of Supervisor. And assuming that a sitting Town
Board member will be recommended for the job, that will trigger an opening for Council Member, and certainly that
job will also spark interest from individuals seeking that office.
My message to Committeemen, and especially to the freshmen in the group - take your role seriously. Do not be
afraid to call or email the individuals soliciting your support and hold their feet to the fire. Ask them questions,
throw out issues you feel are important. The more dialogue and ideas we can encourage, the better the outcome
will be for all of us!
-AK
January 5...On Monday January 8 the Democratic Committee convenes to begin what will be a very spirited and
active campaign season. But while fall elections are still off in the distance, on the immediate agenda is one item
of great importance, and that is who will be leading our town government.
As everyone knows, Dennis Gabryszak is now our State Assemblyman, and that means that the onus is on the
Town Board to name a successor until the voters can settle on choosing a new Supervisor this November.
And this is where the role of the Committeemen plays a huge part in things. Certainly, being a member of the
Committee means voting to endorse candidates for the Democratic slate come election time, but when a vacancy
occurs, it also means that Committeeman get a say on who the individual to fill the post gets to be.
The opportunity to name a new Supervisor is not something to be taken lightly. This vacancy provides us an
historic opportunity to look back on what we have accomplished, where we are today as a town government and a
political entity, and what we want to shape for our community moving forward.
Only four men have held the post of Cheektowaga Town Supervisor in the past 45 years. Each of them have made
an indelible mark on our town, and even though the individual the Committee recommends for Supervisor this
Monday will only be placed into a one year caretaker role, it is important that we name the best and the brightest to
serve as our new leader.
You may be receiving solicitations from candidates for the office of Supervisor. And assuming that a sitting Town
Board member will be recommended for the job, that will trigger an opening for Council Member, and certainly that
job will also spark interest from individuals seeking that office.
My message to Committeemen, and especially to the freshmen in the group - take your role seriously. Do not be
afraid to call or email the individuals soliciting your support and hold their feet to the fire. Ask them questions,
throw out issues you feel are important. The more dialogue and ideas we can encourage, the better the outcome
will be for all of us!
-AK
 |  |  |  |  |  |
CONGRESSMAN BRIAN HIGGINS AND SPEAKER OF THE
HOUSE NANCY PELOSI MEET UP IN DC!
The 110th Congress began its work this week and history
was made, as the first female Speaker in our nation's
history banged the gavel in the House chamber.
-photo courtesy Congressman Higgin's office.
HOUSE NANCY PELOSI MEET UP IN DC!
The 110th Congress began its work this week and history
was made, as the first female Speaker in our nation's
history banged the gavel in the House chamber.
-photo courtesy Congressman Higgin's office.
NEWS ARCHIVES
Nov/Dec 2006
Nov/Dec 2006
Educational Reform Offers Real Hope for NY Families - Senator William Stachowski
February - As the Ranking Minority member on the Senate Finance Committee I have already attended numerous
hearings on Governor Eliot Spitzer's 2007-08 Executive Budget. From what I've heard and what I've seen, the
Governor's multi-year investment plan reflects deep commitment to educational excellence. In fact, I'm calling
2007 a landmark year for education in New York State.
Under the proposed school investment program, school aid would be increased by $1.4 billion in 2007-2008,
bringing total state funding to $19.2 billion in the new school year. When the four-year educational program is fully
phased in by 2010-2011, overall state school funding would grow by $7 billion, an increase of 40 percent.
With his far-reaching proposal, Governor Spitzer has delivered intelligent solutions, not another round of empty
promises. I commend the Governor's efforts to refocus the educational debate from battles over adequate
funding to one of greater accountability and performance in the schools. The time has come to make choices that
promise results.
As part of his Executive Budget, Governor Spitzer detailed a Four-Year Educational Investment Plan. That plan
establishes a new "Foundation Aid" formula to provide additional aid to school districts, targeting those most in
need and allocating aid in a transparent, equitable and predictable manner. The new formula distributes funds
based on student need, not politics. Quite frankly, previous methodologies were rife with inequities. Under this
plan, impoverished districts will be able to better serve those children who need help the most.
The Governor's proposal goes a long way in addressing the school funding needs highlighted by the Campaign for
Fiscal Equity lawsuit. It also supports educational choice by providing for an increase in the charter school cap
from 100 to 250 and by adding special funds for public school districts impacted by a large number of charter
schools. In addition, families of private and parochial school children would, depending on income, receive up to a
$1,000 tax deduction per child that could be used against tuition.
I'm particularly excited about the Governor's commitment to providing universal access to high quality Pre-
Kindergarten programs. We all know that the greater a student's exposure to productive and enriching
experiences, especially in the younger years, the greater his or her chances for success.
I feel it is important to explain that I agree with Governor Spitzer's call for greater school accountability. Districts
will be asked to identify how money will be allocated, school by school, showing how funds will be used to
produce measurable results, such as smaller class size and teacher quality initiatives. While greater
accountability for school spending is long overdue, I intend to fully study the details of the plan to ensure that our
hardworking teachers, principals and superintendents will be judged fairly.
Year after year, parents have looked to Albany to provide a clear path to educational excellence. Under the
Governor's leadership, we finally have a plan to give all the children of the State the tools they need to succeed in
life.
Senator Chuck Schumer: A Bold Plan for Change
Promotes agenda at book signing in Buffalo:
10 AM, January 27 at Borders, Cheektowaga
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer has a bold plan for New York families:
Reduce property taxes that fund education by 50%
Increase the number of college graduates by 50%
Reduce illegal immigration by at least 50% and increase legal immigration by up to 50%
Reduce our dependence on foreign oil by 50%
Cut children’s access to Internet pornography by at least 50%
Increase our ability to fight terrorism by 50%
These are among his “50-percent Solutions,” the innovative, attainable proposals spelled out in his new book,
Positively American: Winning Back the Middle Class One Family at a Time (VHPS/Rodale), hot off the presses this
week.
Schumer will detail his agenda and sign his new book on Saturday, January 27 at Borders Books and Music, 2015
Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga. Info: 716-685-2844. The event will run from 10-11 AM, after which the Senator will
also be available to speak to members of the press.
ROGOWSKI JOINS IN TO SUPPORT SCHROEDER'S BILL ON INTERNET SEX PREDATORS
January 25...Justice will have a new tool against child predators that use the internet to harm their prey if New
York State Assemblyman Mark J.F. Schroeder’s bill becomes law.
“This bill will significantly increase the punishment for sex crimes against a child if a computer was used in the
offense,” said Schroeder. “It would also make it easier for law enforcement to obtain warrants for audio and
video surveillance of dangerous predators.”
The bill, which would create a new offense of Computer Sex Crime, is quickly gaining widespread support
amongst municipalities in Western New York. Tuesday, the Cheektowaga Council unanimously approved a
resolution introduced by Councilman James Rogowski supporting the computer sex crimes bill. Two days later,
the Erie County Legislature supported a similar resolution, also unanimously, submitted by Tim Kennedy.
“Other leaders have shown interest in this legislation, so I expect many more municipalities will support this bill,”
said Schroeder. “It’s common sense. The law must keep up with advancements in technology in order to be
effective.”
"Often predators use anonymous of false identities to manipulate young people on the internet," said Schroeder.
“Unfortunately, these types of crimes have increased as more and more people become familiar with the
internet,” Schroeder added.
The bill originated in Governor Eliot Spitzer’s office last year when he was still Attorney General. Schroeder was a
co-sponsor of last year’s bill and wasted no time in introducing the bill again this year.
Schroeder said he is working with administrators and students in the West Seneca Central School District, as
well as Rogowski and Kennedy, in order to enlist local and statewide support for the measure. Schroeder
applauded the school district’s iSafe program, which teaches students at every grade level the importance of
being cautious and responsible internet users.
“The curriculum that West Seneca is using is an excellent model for other schools that want to safeguard their
kids from some of the dangers of the internet,” said Schroeder.
Schroeder added that any elected official, school board, or municipality interested in supporting this legislation
can contact his district office at 716-826-0152 for more information."CHEEKTOWAGA DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDS JANKOWIAK, ZYDEL TO TOWN BOARD POSITIONS
January 8...The Cheektowaga Democratic Town Committee met tonight to make their recommendations to
the Cheektowaga Town Board for vacancies on the Town Board.
Council Member James Jankowiak won recommendation for the office of Town Supervisor. A long time
Committee member and political activist, Jankowiak has served as Council Member on the Town Board since
1997, and has significant administrative experience in the public sector at both the Town and County levels.
Jankowiak was nominated by fellow Council Member Alice Magierski. There were no other nominations from the
floor.
Should Jankowiak receive the Town Board’s appointment to Supervisor, his council seat becomes vacant, and
the Committee then made a second recommendation, for the office of Town Council Member.
While three individuals made an inquiry to request consideration for the post, two of them withdrew their names
at the session, including long time Committeeman James Sala. This left the field open for Richard Zydel, an
employee of the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia. Zydel is President of Doyle #1 Fire Company. He ran
unsuccessfully for Council in 2001, placing fourth in a field of six running for three at-large seats.
Zydel was nominated by former Cheektowaga Town Chairman James Burst.
The non binding recommendation now gets sent to the Cheektowaga Town Board, which will take up the issue
as early as its next Town Board meeting.
If successfully appointed, both men will serve for the unexpired portion of the terms, which expire on December
31, 2007.
It is expected that both men will seek election to full four year term to their respective new positions come
November, and they will have to face the Committee again in April to ask for endorsement and placement on the
fall Democratic ticket.
February - As the Ranking Minority member on the Senate Finance Committee I have already attended numerous
hearings on Governor Eliot Spitzer's 2007-08 Executive Budget. From what I've heard and what I've seen, the
Governor's multi-year investment plan reflects deep commitment to educational excellence. In fact, I'm calling
2007 a landmark year for education in New York State.
Under the proposed school investment program, school aid would be increased by $1.4 billion in 2007-2008,
bringing total state funding to $19.2 billion in the new school year. When the four-year educational program is fully
phased in by 2010-2011, overall state school funding would grow by $7 billion, an increase of 40 percent.
With his far-reaching proposal, Governor Spitzer has delivered intelligent solutions, not another round of empty
promises. I commend the Governor's efforts to refocus the educational debate from battles over adequate
funding to one of greater accountability and performance in the schools. The time has come to make choices that
promise results.
As part of his Executive Budget, Governor Spitzer detailed a Four-Year Educational Investment Plan. That plan
establishes a new "Foundation Aid" formula to provide additional aid to school districts, targeting those most in
need and allocating aid in a transparent, equitable and predictable manner. The new formula distributes funds
based on student need, not politics. Quite frankly, previous methodologies were rife with inequities. Under this
plan, impoverished districts will be able to better serve those children who need help the most.
The Governor's proposal goes a long way in addressing the school funding needs highlighted by the Campaign for
Fiscal Equity lawsuit. It also supports educational choice by providing for an increase in the charter school cap
from 100 to 250 and by adding special funds for public school districts impacted by a large number of charter
schools. In addition, families of private and parochial school children would, depending on income, receive up to a
$1,000 tax deduction per child that could be used against tuition.
I'm particularly excited about the Governor's commitment to providing universal access to high quality Pre-
Kindergarten programs. We all know that the greater a student's exposure to productive and enriching
experiences, especially in the younger years, the greater his or her chances for success.
I feel it is important to explain that I agree with Governor Spitzer's call for greater school accountability. Districts
will be asked to identify how money will be allocated, school by school, showing how funds will be used to
produce measurable results, such as smaller class size and teacher quality initiatives. While greater
accountability for school spending is long overdue, I intend to fully study the details of the plan to ensure that our
hardworking teachers, principals and superintendents will be judged fairly.
Year after year, parents have looked to Albany to provide a clear path to educational excellence. Under the
Governor's leadership, we finally have a plan to give all the children of the State the tools they need to succeed in
life.
Senator Chuck Schumer: A Bold Plan for Change
Promotes agenda at book signing in Buffalo:
10 AM, January 27 at Borders, Cheektowaga
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer has a bold plan for New York families:
Reduce property taxes that fund education by 50%
Increase the number of college graduates by 50%
Reduce illegal immigration by at least 50% and increase legal immigration by up to 50%
Reduce our dependence on foreign oil by 50%
Cut children’s access to Internet pornography by at least 50%
Increase our ability to fight terrorism by 50%
These are among his “50-percent Solutions,” the innovative, attainable proposals spelled out in his new book,
Positively American: Winning Back the Middle Class One Family at a Time (VHPS/Rodale), hot off the presses this
week.
Schumer will detail his agenda and sign his new book on Saturday, January 27 at Borders Books and Music, 2015
Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga. Info: 716-685-2844. The event will run from 10-11 AM, after which the Senator will
also be available to speak to members of the press.
ROGOWSKI JOINS IN TO SUPPORT SCHROEDER'S BILL ON INTERNET SEX PREDATORS
January 25...Justice will have a new tool against child predators that use the internet to harm their prey if New
York State Assemblyman Mark J.F. Schroeder’s bill becomes law.
“This bill will significantly increase the punishment for sex crimes against a child if a computer was used in the
offense,” said Schroeder. “It would also make it easier for law enforcement to obtain warrants for audio and
video surveillance of dangerous predators.”
The bill, which would create a new offense of Computer Sex Crime, is quickly gaining widespread support
amongst municipalities in Western New York. Tuesday, the Cheektowaga Council unanimously approved a
resolution introduced by Councilman James Rogowski supporting the computer sex crimes bill. Two days later,
the Erie County Legislature supported a similar resolution, also unanimously, submitted by Tim Kennedy.
“Other leaders have shown interest in this legislation, so I expect many more municipalities will support this bill,”
said Schroeder. “It’s common sense. The law must keep up with advancements in technology in order to be
effective.”
"Often predators use anonymous of false identities to manipulate young people on the internet," said Schroeder.
“Unfortunately, these types of crimes have increased as more and more people become familiar with the
internet,” Schroeder added.
The bill originated in Governor Eliot Spitzer’s office last year when he was still Attorney General. Schroeder was a
co-sponsor of last year’s bill and wasted no time in introducing the bill again this year.
Schroeder said he is working with administrators and students in the West Seneca Central School District, as
well as Rogowski and Kennedy, in order to enlist local and statewide support for the measure. Schroeder
applauded the school district’s iSafe program, which teaches students at every grade level the importance of
being cautious and responsible internet users.
“The curriculum that West Seneca is using is an excellent model for other schools that want to safeguard their
kids from some of the dangers of the internet,” said Schroeder.
Schroeder added that any elected official, school board, or municipality interested in supporting this legislation
can contact his district office at 716-826-0152 for more information."CHEEKTOWAGA DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDS JANKOWIAK, ZYDEL TO TOWN BOARD POSITIONS
January 8...The Cheektowaga Democratic Town Committee met tonight to make their recommendations to
the Cheektowaga Town Board for vacancies on the Town Board.
Council Member James Jankowiak won recommendation for the office of Town Supervisor. A long time
Committee member and political activist, Jankowiak has served as Council Member on the Town Board since
1997, and has significant administrative experience in the public sector at both the Town and County levels.
Jankowiak was nominated by fellow Council Member Alice Magierski. There were no other nominations from the
floor.
Should Jankowiak receive the Town Board’s appointment to Supervisor, his council seat becomes vacant, and
the Committee then made a second recommendation, for the office of Town Council Member.
While three individuals made an inquiry to request consideration for the post, two of them withdrew their names
at the session, including long time Committeeman James Sala. This left the field open for Richard Zydel, an
employee of the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia. Zydel is President of Doyle #1 Fire Company. He ran
unsuccessfully for Council in 2001, placing fourth in a field of six running for three at-large seats.
Zydel was nominated by former Cheektowaga Town Chairman James Burst.
The non binding recommendation now gets sent to the Cheektowaga Town Board, which will take up the issue
as early as its next Town Board meeting.
If successfully appointed, both men will serve for the unexpired portion of the terms, which expire on December
31, 2007.
It is expected that both men will seek election to full four year term to their respective new positions come
November, and they will have to face the Committee again in April to ask for endorsement and placement on the
fall Democratic ticket.
RETIREMENT "HAPPY HOUR" SET IN HONOR OF PATRICIA STANIASZEK
January 9... Longtime Youth Bureau Program Administrator and past Committeeman Pat Staniaszek is hanging it
up after 33 years of outstanding service to the Town of Cheektowaga.
All are invited to a "Happy Hour" to wish Pat well, hang out with fellow Cheektowaga Pols and catch up on the
latest goings on here in the Land of the Crabapple. Cash bar and a buck in the pot for the honoree's libations.
Date: Thursday, January 25, 4:30 - ??
Where: "R' Bar, 2139 Broadway in Sloan
January 9... Longtime Youth Bureau Program Administrator and past Committeeman Pat Staniaszek is hanging it
up after 33 years of outstanding service to the Town of Cheektowaga.
All are invited to a "Happy Hour" to wish Pat well, hang out with fellow Cheektowaga Pols and catch up on the
latest goings on here in the Land of the Crabapple. Cash bar and a buck in the pot for the honoree's libations.
Date: Thursday, January 25, 4:30 - ??
Where: "R' Bar, 2139 Broadway in Sloan
STACHOWSKI NAMED TO HIGH-RANKING FINANCE POST
January 9... NYS Senator Bill Stachowski, a veteran lawmaker from Western New York and a senior member of
the State Senate, has been named Ranking Minority member on the powerful Senate Finance Committee. The
appointment, made by new Democratic Minority Leader Malcolm Smith, was announced Monday in the State
Capitol. Stachowski will become the highest ranking Democrat on the Finance Committee.
"I greatly appreciate the confidence that Senator Smith has placed in my abilities, and I look forward to working
with him in advancing our conference agenda in Albany" Stachowski explained. "With the new spirit of
cooperation and reform in the Capitol, this provides me with an opportunity to make a significant impact on the
issues that come before us."
The Senate Finance Committee plays an important role in developing the state's budget, while also dealing with
Gubernatorial appointments and fiscally-related legislation.
Stachowski said that the appointment will find him spending additional time in Albany and will require him to pore
over the volumes of memos and reports that are part of the annual state spending plan. "Senate Democrats have
a lot of ideas as to the manner we should spend revenues and cut taxes. We hope to have a place at the
bargaining table with the election of Governor Spitzer, and I believe that my appointment will put me in a good
position to speak out on behalf of Upstate New York and the Western New York area" he said.
January 9... NYS Senator Bill Stachowski, a veteran lawmaker from Western New York and a senior member of
the State Senate, has been named Ranking Minority member on the powerful Senate Finance Committee. The
appointment, made by new Democratic Minority Leader Malcolm Smith, was announced Monday in the State
Capitol. Stachowski will become the highest ranking Democrat on the Finance Committee.
"I greatly appreciate the confidence that Senator Smith has placed in my abilities, and I look forward to working
with him in advancing our conference agenda in Albany" Stachowski explained. "With the new spirit of
cooperation and reform in the Capitol, this provides me with an opportunity to make a significant impact on the
issues that come before us."
The Senate Finance Committee plays an important role in developing the state's budget, while also dealing with
Gubernatorial appointments and fiscally-related legislation.
Stachowski said that the appointment will find him spending additional time in Albany and will require him to pore
over the volumes of memos and reports that are part of the annual state spending plan. "Senate Democrats have
a lot of ideas as to the manner we should spend revenues and cut taxes. We hope to have a place at the
bargaining table with the election of Governor Spitzer, and I believe that my appointment will put me in a good
position to speak out on behalf of Upstate New York and the Western New York area" he said.