Newcomer takes on Fourth Ward veteran in city
Brittany Lombardo
Nancy Nichols
Brittany Lombardo
Nancy Nichols
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Editor's note: This is the fourth in a series on Dunkirk Common Council candidates.
The race for the Common Council seat representing Dunkirk's Fourth Ward is a study in contrasts. Multi-term incumbent Nancy Nichols, a Republican of senior citizen age, faces a challenge from a 20-something political newcomer, Democrat Brittany Lombardo.
Nichols often focuses on issues affecting seniors and regularly states at Common Council meetings that she is bringing their questions to city officials. Lombardo has shown big concern during her campaign about Dunkirk's drug problem, and often states that she wants the city's youth more involved in its affairs.
The OBSERVER asked all Common Council candidates the same questions about the city of Dunkirk and their campaigns. The responses 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?
Lombardo: One of the reasons I am running for Common Council, is because I have lived here my whole life. As I have grown up, I have seen many residents who have lived here, come and go. Dunkirk is our hometown, it's a place that we should be proud of. I would like to get our youth more involved in the community. I would like to be a voice for the ones who are not heard. I would like to be a part of making our city better for future generations to come, a city where they can build and grow their families and enjoy retirement.
Nichols: The reason/goals that I have chosen to run for re-election for Fourth Ward Council are to ensure that the vast amount of projects that have been started during my years on council become a reality.
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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?
Lombardo: Some positive events that have taken place in the city of Dunkirk in the last two years include: Music on the Pier; our famers market that continues to grow; the non-for-profit youth development program Kids at Promise; our local bands that come out to play at the events held; The Beach Bash bash and kickball tournament; Our fire department hose race; our Christmas on Central Small Business Saturday holiday market, our Juneteenth celebrations; and so many more.
See FOURTH WARD, Page A3
FOURTH WARD
Nichols: Through grants and assistance from the county there have been a great deal of positive accomplishments that have taken place in the City of Dunkirk within the last two years. These include: Completion of cost saving energy efficient LED street lights; pedestrian friendly medians on Lake Shore Drive; installation of valve shut offs on Lake Shore Drive and other critical points throughout the city; installed cameras and WiFi at various locations throughout the city; construction of restrooms at Promenschenkel Stadium; construction of a new pavilion at the old Firemen's Grounds; construction of a permanent Farmer's Market; rebuilding of a culvert at Wright Park; removal of long standing abandoned boats behind the Boardwalk; replaced antiquated water lines at various streets; through community volunteers, a tree reforesting program is now underway at Point Gratiot throughout the city; replace and install new fire hydrants; corrected many drainage and receiver problems; pave and resurface 21% of our city streets through CHIPS.
In addition, through ARPA funds, Dunkirk was able to purchase new vehicles for our streets/parks dept. Also purchased were new police cruisers and a much need fire rescue boat, a new generator was purchased for City Hall and we auctioned off all unwanted old vehicles and equipment from our Lucas Avenue barns, installed an DAV parking sign on Fourth Street and through community volunteers, a tree reforesting program is now underway at Point Gratiot to replace the dead ash trees.
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3. What is your vision for the city of Dunkirk? What do you think it should be in 10 years?
Lombardo: My vision for the city of Dunkirk is to create a positive impact for future generations. I have looked in Dunkirk's history book. The businesses and buildings that were here before I was born or able to enjoy them, have basically vanished. Our city was a booming city.
In 10 years, I think we can get it back to a very successful area -- where we will always continue to accept everyone and have a safe environment. We can continue to create more jobs, welcoming small business as well. We can add more attractions and activities that children can do. We can do upgrades to the city parks and family recreational areas, along with more public transportation to get from point A to point B. This will be a place where people traveling near or far would love to come and stay. We have so many things in our community that we can utilize to make the city of Dunkirk prosperous once again.
Nichols: My vision for the City of Dunkirk is to bring "life" back to Central Avenue. I want to put a plan in place for a Phase 3 project for Wright Park that would include building offshore segmented breakwalls to protect the wall along Lakefront Boulevard, to enable the road to be open year-long and create more beach area. Also, this phase would include making beaches mobility-accessible, and construct a restroom area for the children using our Activity Complex at Wright Park.
A major concern I have is not having a hospital in Dunkirk. Brooks Hospital should remain in Dunkirk. It was where it was founded and dedicated to.
A 10 year vision would be to have all the empty store fronts on Central Avenue filled with small year-round shops, the creation of much needed jobs, and a plan to build senior housing.
TUESDAY: Ward three contest.