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Heenan to run for city mayor

Shaun Heenan

“Yes I’m running for mayor,” Shaun Heenan stated to the OBSERVER Thursday. “I’ve been endorsed by the Republican and Conservative parties. We’re just getting the endorsements and the petitions done, I haven’t drawn up a formal statement yet, but yes.”

The Third Ward Councilman talked enthusiastically about his decision to run for city of Dunkirk mayor, citing the packed ballot that’s shaping up for November of this year.

“There’s really been nobody running the last couple of election cycles for the city,” Heenan said. “I was the only one last time and before that I can’t remember who ran. It’s been a very small amount of people who have run for the council in the last eight years against the Democrat; there’s just been no interest in it.”

Heenan talked of his family roots throughout the city and his desire of wanting to run for the office of mayor for a long time.

“It’s always something that I’ve wanted to do,” he stated. “My family has always had businesses in Dunkirk since the early 70s. I have a list of things that I want to do. I would like to see a rejuvenation of the downtown, small businesses, micro businesses, more foot traffic and working with landlords to increase usable affordable space tailor (custom) fit for small businesses and there needs.”

(“I would also like to see) affordable lease and size to keep overhead down and profits up is the key of course,” Heenan said. “This is all quite difficult. It’s easier said than done, but I’m going to have a plan to go about doing it.”

Heenan isn’t the only one looking to unseat the sitting council members. According to him, the list of runners includes Dennis Welka for First Ward, Steve Promber for Second Ward, James Stoyle for Third Ward and Paul VanDenVouver for Councilman-at-large. They are also in talks with another individual for the Fourth Ward Republican candidate, but no name is ready to be announced.

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