OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford Dunkirk mayoral candidates debate at a League of Women Voters event at City Hall. Republican David Damico is at left and Democratic candidate Kate Wdowiasz is at right, flanking LWV moderator Marcia Merrins.

Dunkirk mayoral candidates David Damico and Kate Wdowiasz debated the hot topics at a League of Women Voters event in City Hall.

The first question was, “What do you consider the most pressing issue facing Dunkirk and what is the first thing you would do to help solve it if elected?”

Wdowiasz, a Democrat who is the city law department’s paralegal, said: “The single most pressing and important issue … is that there are many issues, and there are many issues that need to be addressed. For me, these issues include workforce development, creation of new jobs, new job opportunities (and) businesses, workforce retention, housing including senior housing and workforce housing, public safety, and addressing issues with aging infrastructure.”

Damico, a Republican and current councilman-at-large on the Common Council, pointed to fiscal management in city government as the top issue. “We had to take a revenue anticipation note out, I’ve heard since June from the treasurer that we don’t have any money. So the first thing that I would institute is a proven business model, that will put financially responsibility back onto the city.”

The candidates were queried about short-term rentals in the city. They pretty much agreed on the issue, stating that the vast majority of rentals cause no problems and that each case should be treated individually.

Another question asked, “What do you believe to be the biggest threat to the Dunkirk economy?”

Damico said, “Probably the biggest thing is not having enough people trained to support the amount of jobs we have in the city currently … workforce development, I think, is going to be key. We don’t have a lot of that currently.”

Wdowiasz agreed that workforce retention and development “is a real need that we need to address in the very near future,” noting that several local industries are looking to expand.

The candidates were asked about the Safe Point Lighthouse drug treatment clinic on Third Street.

Wdowiasz called it “actually a very necessary service inside this community. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, we really do have a drug problem within our city boundary. However, I know there is misinformation out there that people are going to that facility, getting drugs, and then walking several miles away… and nodding off, which is not at all what the program provides.”

Damico said he agreed “partially,” stating that Dunkirk needs a drug treatment clinic, but questioning the site. “Hopefully it’s a work in progress that we can clean up some of the other problems associated with it,” he said.

The duo got a question about sharing services with Fredonia. “We need to be very cautious … let me remind everybody, our taxpayers invested $25 million into our water system,” Damico said.

He added that Fredonia had a chance to join the North County Water District but did not. “I’m all for providing a service if something happens, I’m willing to help. But I believe, down the road, they need to go back to the water district.” Dunkirk is the district’s sole water supplier.

Wdowiasz said Dunkirk would welcome supplying Fredonia with water as it would increase the city’s revenue base. “I feel that a partnership with Fredonia is a good choice,” she said. “They are our neighbor… and we should always be willing to assist our neighbors.”

The candidates were asked how they would heal political rifts in the community. “I think it starts with communication. … Once the communication starts, hopefully you get collaboration between the council and unions,” Damico said. “We may not always agree, but what we have to understand is, even though we don’t agree we have to find a way to move forward.”

“Having been on the inside here for the last few years, I know that communication with the council does not happen, unless one of the department heads has to reach out and request something ” Wdowiasz replied. “I don’t personally know of the last time my opponent has called the mayor or the legal department to ask us any questions… I do believe over the last few years I have been a liaison between the administration and council to try to make sure that things move smoothly through the process, and answer all of their questions with facts.”

Damico then offered a rebuttal that he had last talked to city attorney Michael Bobseine at 3:09 p.m. the prior day.

The debate, which lasted about 45 minutes, can be viewed on the Dunkirk Public Access YouTube channel.