Candidates aim to move city ‘forward’
Abby Yerico
Martin Bamonto
Abby Yerico
Martin Bamonto
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Editor's note: This is the first in a series of articles on Dunkirk Common Council candidates.
In Dunkirk's Second Ward, a four-term Common Council incumbent who faced a stiff challenge in 2021 is up against a paralegal from the Chautauqua County District Attorney's Office this November.
Democrat Marty Bamonto needed absentee ballots to defeat Republican Linda Stolinski for the Second Ward council seat two years ago. This year, Stolinski is running for councilperson-at-large and Abby Yerico is the Republicans' nominee.
The OBSERVER asked all Common Council candidates the same questions about the city of Dunkirk and their campaigns. The responses of Bamonto and Yerico are below, edited for clarity and space.
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1. What are some of the goals or reasons you are running for Common Council?
Bamonto: We need to add jobs to the city. I will work with whoever is elected as mayor; in January we will have a new administration. I know both mayoral candidates (David Damico and Kate Wdowiasz) and I work well with both of them. Also a vision of mine is to keep developing Central Avenue from the Boardwalk south. By doing this it's possible we'll have some spin-off, with small "Mom and Pop" stores coming in.
Yerico: I am running for Common Council because Dunkirk is my home, and I want to bring a fresh, new perspective, that will contribute to the growth and success of our community. I am dedicated to working with the administration to strengthen financial stability, improve safety, and help beautify our city. I intend to focus on fiscal responsibility, cleaning up Point Gratiot and Cedar Beach, addressing the current situation at the Dunkirk Motel, and to push for continued additional fire protections in my ward. I am ready to invest in the well-being of our city and look forward to the opportunity to serve our residents.
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2. Name some positive events or accomplishments that have taken place in the city of Dunkirk in the last two years that does not include the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant from New York state?
Bamonto: We are finally getting a breakwall down in the Wright Park area. Also, much work has been done in the harbor such as dredging the inner harbor. Both of our water plants have been updated to serve our residents and the North County Water District, which in the coming year will be supplying more customers. We had nine union contracts since I've been in office. We will have more contacts coming up next year. I have experience in negotiating contracts, both with the city and through my position of union president at ECR, where I've negotiated several contracts during my 29 years working there.
Yerico: One positive accomplishment that has taken place in the city of Dunkirk over the last two years is the Farmer's Market Agrarian Pavilion in the Senior Center's parking lot. This not only supports our local farmers, but it provides access to healthy food choices to our residents. Other positive accomplishments include the building of the Handicap Accessible playground at Wright Park, the Hero Banners program, and the installation of WiFi connectivity ports in our parks.
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3. What is your vision for the city of Dunkirk? What do you think it should be in 10 years?
Bamonto: My vision is get more jobs coming to the city and developing Central Avenue. In 10 years I want to have more business come to the city. I want a balanced budget and to bring down the taxes in the city.
Yerico: My vision for the city of Dunkirk is for it to be a strong culturally vibrant city, with economic vitality and resilience. I want to help to provide greater opportunity and prosperity, so our younger generation will to want to stay in Dunkirk, and raise their families here. Ten years from now, I see Dunkirk not only as a place people can be proud to say they are from, but a place that people will want to come to, to live, to work, to play.