Flashback to 1997 — the year which saw one of the most hotly contested political races in the city of Dunkirk.

Tempers were flaring, in-party bickering was the order of the day, and mudslinging by political opponents was rampant. A “down and dirty” silly season the likes of which Dunkirk residents have not seen since.

Until now. Several Republican and Independence Party candidates recently stepped up to the plate in 2019 to vie for a seat in city government, pulling the plug on the firmly entrenched Democratic political machine in the process. Among these warriors is a proven performer who first entered the political arena more than 20 years ago.

Paul VanDenVouver, who is running for councilman-at-large, is a seasoned politician, having spent three highly productive terms as Third Ward councilman back around the turn of the century. He established himself as a good listener who was always eager to lend a helping hand to his constituents and address their concerns. A former Democrat who once served as chairman of the aforementioned political machine, Paul is now a member of the Independence Party — which in turn makes him an independent thinker. As such, he has my unwavering support.

But I didn’t always feel that way. As the Republican candidate for Fourth Ward council back in 1997, I always seemed to be locking horns with Paul. I remember well a shouting match after a council meeting that spilled into the hallowed halls of City Hall. Norma Braude, who reported on the meetings for a Buffalo newspaper, commented as she walked by, “Ugh, I’m not covering this.” Truth be told, it got so ugly, Paul and I had no choice but to talk out our differences. We shook hands that evening and parted as worthy adversaries, but became fast friends (even voting for each other on election night).

At the very next council meeting, city officials were braced for some tough questions as I approached the podium. Instead, to everyone’s shock and Paul’s delight, I delivered what I call my “eye-of-the-tiger”speech. I ate public humble pie, admitting that I was wrong about Paul and his political motivations. I pointed out that his focus, his intensity, his love for his hometown and his incessant desire to see it flourish were exactly what the city needed. He is clearly driven — the eye of the tiger, if you will, and will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal of making Dunkirk a top-notch community.

Having attended the recent Republican Meet the Candidates night with all the non-Democratic candidates on hand, I can honestly say each and every one of them has the eye of the tiger. Nancy Nichols, who is running for Fourth Ward council, reminds me a lot of myself and my political campaign. Just like me, Nancy can be found at every council meeting, hammering away at the issues and keeping city officials on their toes.

Win or lose, this political campaign is going to be electric. Kudos to those who have tossed their hat in the ring to make this election an honest-to-goodness horse race.

Bring it!

Mary Ann Herrington is a Dunkirk resident and a regular contributor to the OBSERVER.