OBSERVER file photo Dunkirk’s billing is facing scrutiny by the state comptroller’s office.

For the first time, Marty Bamonto faces an Election Day challenge for his Dunkirk Common Council seat.

The Second Ward councilman ran unopposed in 2015, 2017 and 2019. This year, the Democrat will be in a race against Republican Linda Stolinski for the position.

The OBSERVER asked all Common Council candidates to submit answers to three questions. The responses of Bamonto and Stolinski follow.

Question 1: Why are you running for Common Council?

Marty Bamonto: It may sound corny, but I was born and raised in the city of Dunkirk and deeply love my hometown. For the last six years it has been a great honor to serve the people of our city and I want to continue being a part of moving our community forward.

My experience, as past chairman of the Personnel Committee and current chairman of the Finance Committee, have provided me with the skills and knowledge to take on a larger leadership role on the next council.

During my tenure we have taken the city’s Wastewater Fund from being in the red and turned it into the healthiest of our three funds. I’m also particularly proud of my support for the LED lighting initiative, which saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Linda Stolinski: I am running for Second Ward Common Council because I feel we have not had anyone representing our ward for a number of years.

The condition of some properties and streets are terrible. Residents of the ward have also complained about feeling their complaints fall on deaf ears. Being retired I now have the time to devote to helping them get issues taken care of.

Question 2: What is the biggest problem facing the city of Dunkirk?

Stolinski: I feel the biggest problem facing Dunkirk now is infrastructure and the lack of workers to keep up with maintaining the city streets and water system. We have a strong, hardworking, unionized workforce, but they are stretched to the limit. They need more help!

Bamonto: While there are many issues facing our city that should be addressed, the biggest challenge is getting the council and mayor working together as a team. During my first four years on the council, we worked together to improve our great city.

Unfortunately, during the past two years that cooperative spirit has been missing. We all need to set politics aside and do what is right for the residents and taxpayers of Dunkirk.

Question 3: If elected, what do you want to accomplish?

Bamonto: As the most senior member of the Common Council, I would like to take on a larger leadership role and use my experience to build a working partnership between the council and the mayor. This is a pivotal election for Dunkirk, and we need to all work together and make decisions that are in our city’s best interests. Let’s Return to Progress for everyone in Dunkirk.

Stolinski: I want to help the taxpayers of Dunkirk who have issues get results! I want to improve the quality of life in this city. I would like to see the people that drive around the city with music blasting and the loud cars fined. I also want to see landlords and renters made accountable for the condition of their properties.