Robert Dando

Robert E. Dando Jr. is seeking a seat on the Pomfret Town Council.

He currently serves as the secretary and treasurer of the Chautauqua County Workers’ Memorial. He is the Area Vice Chairman for the Working Family Party.

In addition to his own party’s endorsement, he has received the support and endorsement of the Democratic Party.

Dando was born a Yooper — from the upper peninsula of Michigan — and came to Chautauqua County when he started his studies at SUNY Fredonia in 1967 and never left. He started working at Red Wing, later Carriage House, after graduation in 1973.

At Red Wing, he met his wife, Edith Kozlowski of Dunkirk, who passed away seven years ago. He has four children and six grandchildren who all live in Chautauqua County.

A retired member of NCFO 266/SEIU 32BJ, he worked at Red Wing/Carriage House/Con Agra for 38 years.

At Carriage House, he served in many positions in Local 266 including president. He still serves an Executive Board member of both the Dunkirk Area Labor Council and Jamestown Area Labor Council. He also served several years as a general vice president of the Western New York Area Labor Federation.

Dando served nine years as the labor representative on the Northern Chautauqua United Way and served three years on the New York State United Way Board. He is an Eagle Scout and has been a member of the scouting movement for decades. He served as a Cub master and as a commissioner in Fredonia, Brocton, Forestville and Dunkirk over the years.

Dando served as a youth coach in wrestling and his sons are carrying on this tradition. He even wrestled in the Empire State Games in his 40’s.

Dando notes there are several concerns that need our attention. First, jobs, especially more jobs in the private sector. The arrival of Athenex and its promise of spin off jobs is one that must be capitalized on.

“We need to get jobs that are at least paying a living wage,” Dando said. “Workers who made a decent living will spend that money in their local community.

“We need to create or find jobs for our children and grandchildren to keep them here in Chautauqua County.”

Second is cooperation. “We must work with other communities, including Fredonia to find ways to save money and achieve common goals,” Dando said. “Third, we must look beyond our past manufacturing base and work on some of our current strengths such as agriculturally based enterprises and our access to water with lakes Erie and Chautauqua. They say that water will become the major issue for the future.

“We are sitting next to a fifth of the world’s fresh water. We must take advantage of this. There are other issues.

“Drug use is an epidemic in our county now. We need more treatment centers and programs. One of the big problems that employers and trade unions face today is finding workers who can pass drug testing. Too many young people cannot find jobs or are going to jail because of drugs. Treatment programs are really needed to break the cycles of addiction and unemployment.

“Another issue is domestic violence. More opportunities for women to allow them to get away from abusive situations are needed whether it is safe havens, drug treatment programs or jobs.

Dando said he has decided to run for office as he found rallying and protesting from the outside is not getting things done.