Shaun Heenan has announced his candidacy for Third Ward Council, City of Dunkirk.

“After serving as the District 2 Chautauqua County Legislator for eight years, I now welcome the opportunity to once again serve the residents of Dunkirk,” Heenan stated.

Owner of several area businesses, he cited his vast experience in the both the public and private sectors as valuable assets that are “sorely needed” in the Third Ward Council position.

“The only original idea the current council member has developed was his failed attempt to modify the civil service regulations. I find this wrong on so many levels including the illegal act of discrimination. Current civil service hiring practices were established for a reason, to ensure that the best candidate can be selected. Favoritism based solely on race, creed, natural origin or any other reason flies in the face of all that can be right with government. I believe that government exists for all of the people, all of the time.

“I will bring my vast experience to the Third Ward Council position to implement new ideas and fairness for ALL residents.

“Our city is faced with a growing opioid epidemic, crime, blighted properties and major vacancies including our soon to be vacated hospital building. I see these as major issues and if elected I intend to tackle these problems head on with the administration and council.

“I intend to lead and not just occupy the Third Ward Council position. It’s what the people want and deserve.

“My opponent’s recent comments and outright lies regarding my candidacy are proof of how his lack of know-how, general business and government knowledge and ideas have hurt our city. Nothing ruins good government like bad politics. It is my intent to rise above all of that and get things done for the betterment of our city.”

Heenan has served as both a member of the Chautauqua County Legislature and Dunkirk Common Council, and has held board positions on the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, Lake Erie Management Commission, Dunkirk Harbor Commission, Dunkirk Local Development Committee, Southern Tier West Regional Planning Board, Chautauqua County IDA, the Boys and Girls Club, the Salvation Army and the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce.