Don Williams Jr.

Don Williams Jr. is seeking a return to Dunkirk’s First Ward Common Council seat.

“I was born and raised in our great city of Dunkirk,” he said. “While being a lifelong resident of the area, I volunteered/served with honor with the following organizations including Dunkirk Little League, Polish Literary & Assembly Rooms Associated, Inc., Dunkirk & Chautauqua County Democratic Committees, Blessed Mary Angela Parish Holy Name Society, Dunkirk Area Labor Council, New York Avenue Playground Committee, CSEA Local 807/Unit 6300 Officer, AFSCME Delegate, Dunkirk City Council as 1st Ward Councilmember, United Way of Northern Chautauqua County Board Member, Chautauqua County Workers Memorial.”

Williams continued, “My wife, Lisa is a kindergarten teacher at School 5 in Dunkirk while I am a 24-plus year employee of Chautauqua County, currently serving as president of CSEA Unit 6300 which has approximately 850 members. Lisa and I both graduated from Dunkirk High School (Class of 1987) and, between us, we have five children (Brian Kobel, Nicholas Kobel, Sarah Kobel, Don Williams III & Dan Williams) and two grandchildren (Carter B. Donaldson & Rex J. Williams).

“While serving on the Dunkirk City Council, I always spoke up for not just the residents of the First Ward, but any city resident/taxpayer/visitor, because all wards vote for councilmembers. While I was on council, we held the line on taxes and moved garbage and refuse into its own separate fund (Fund IV) to better get a handle on what the tipping fee actually covers. The tipping fee was historically used as a ‘cash cow’ that the current mayor (Wilfred Rosas) would use to balance his budgets. We did the same for the Boardwalk.

“I was instrumental in the city moving to the WEX Card for all of its fuel purchases. That eliminated the costly storing in tanks of many hundreds of gallons of diesel and gasoline. WEX charges the city the state bid price and refunds 3% of the price at the pump to the city while also handling the mandatory fuel paperwork that needs to be done. The use of the WEX card also helps local businesses by having all of our vehicles fill up at local establishments when using the WEX card.

“Also, the reconstruction of the City Pier took place while I served on council. So many great things that we were doing in the city during that time.

“You have a choice, a vote for me is a vote for a person in office that is not afraid to ask the tough questions to anyone and knows how to read and balance a city budget. I love this city and I remember the ‘Good ‘ole Days’ and can’t wait to try to get back to a booming, bustling city of Dunkirk.

“I believe my experience and temperament are just what the city of Dunkirk needs in a councilperson and I humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 7 (or during early voting or absentee balloting).”