In an application to the Empire State Development agency for a $10 million grant, Dunkirk presents an aggressive wish list. Part of its proposal for downtown includes a Hispanic Heritage Marketplace, a waterfront recreation and event center at the land between the Clarion Hotel and Tim Hortons on Lake Shore Drive and a new Jamestown Community College mixed-use project on Central Avenue where the Masonic Lodge once stood.

Only one thing is missing right now that is extremely important to this mission: a development director to oversee the details. This week, however, a candidate with strong connections to the state as well as Chautauqua County, has emerged.

Vince DeJoy, who served the same position in Jamestown and as executive director for the Jamestown Local Development Corp., is the choice of Mayor Wilfred Rosas to fill the important position. Before the November election, Jill Meaux announced she would be leaving to take another job.

DeJoy, who recently served as development director in Warren, Pa., already has bipartisan support for the position. Both state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, and former Jamestown Mayor and Democrat Sam Teresi are endorsing the move.

Teresi hailed DeJoy’s efforts in a number of initiatives for the south county city that included the $50 million National Comedy Center, the $20 million Double Tree by Hilton hotel and the development of the Greater Jamestown River Walk. “Given his experience, work ethic and commitment to serving the public good, I believe he would be a true asset to you, your administration, the Dunkirk Common Council and the entire Greater Dunkirk region,” Teresi writes in a letter to Rosas.

Borrello echoes the sentiments. “Vince’s track record with economic development and his extensive experience with New York state’s programs like the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, makes him not only a great candidate for the job, but also someone who will be ready to hit the ground running on day one,” the senator said.

While DeJoy has the backing of all the above, he still has one major hurdle remaining: a Republican-led Dunkirk Common Council that is notorious in its handling of the position. Rebecca Wurster, who built a solid resume of projects during her tenure, left due to a contentious attitude in December 2020. Meaux, who found another position, noted in emails obtained by the OBSERVER that she was subjected to a hostile working environment. She named both Paul VanDenVouver, at-large councilman, and Don William Jr., outgoing First Ward council member, as the culprits.

DeJoy’s appointment could come as soon as Tuesday — if council gives its blessing, which is no given considering the tumultuous relationship of the past 23 months.