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Next supervisor likely from council
By John J. Hopkins Times
With Supervisor Dennis H. Gabryszak leaving office December 31 to succeed Paul A. Tokasz in the New York State Assembly, speculation continues on who will be Cheektowaga’s 26th supervisor, but indications are that the successful candidate currently sits on the all-Democratic Town Board.
Town Democratic Party Chairman Frank Max said that he has met with all six councilmembers to learn who is interested in the post and to solicit recommendations as well as their thoughts on party issues.
The party’s executive committee is expected to meet with the prospective candidates after Christmas. When it has selected a candidate, the executive committee will bring its recommendation to the 222-member Town Democratic Committee for a vote.
“I hope to have that process done sooner rather than later,” Max said. “But we’re going to take whatever time is necessary.”
Although the party will make its recommendation, the Town Board will make the final decision.
Max declined to say who has expressed interest in the post, but provided a partial answer during a telephone interview with the Times on Wednesday afternoon.
“The executive committee will meet with either the prospective candidates or the person we would be most inclined to recommend,” said Max, adding, “we have a couple of candidates interested in the Town Board seat.”
Max said that no one outside of the Town Board has expressed to him interest in the supervisor’s position.
A current councilmember would be a “presumptive choice,” said Max, because the town board members are already familiar with several issues.
“That doesn’t mean that someone can’t come forth and knock the socks off all of the committeemen,” Max added.
According to Max, several Cheektowaga issues will be covered in upcoming meetings, including concerns from the public that may not have reached the board.
“We want to make sure we work through those things, and make sure the candidates running are aware of them,” Max explained.
Although Max declined to name who is interested in the supervisor’s position, the Times has learned that councilmembers James J. Jankowiak and Thomas M. Johnson are both interested in the post.
Jankowiak is deputy supervisor and would take over supervisor duties if a new supervisor isn’t named by January 1, 2007. There is one year remaining in the supervisor’s four-year term.
Meanwhile, Gabryszak on Monday presided over his last Town Board meeting.
Near the end of the meeting, Gabryszak thanked several people who have influenced and guided him in the 22 years he has served on the town board, including the last 13 as supervisor.
“They helped me, guided me and made me see things differently,” Gabryszak said.
Gabryszak listed former supervisors Dan Weber and Frank Swiatek, all of the department heads he has worked with, all town employees and town board members.
“Each and every one (of the town employees) are ambassadors for the town,” Gabryszak said. As for the town board, Gabryszak noted that the members didn’t always get along, but “in their hearts, each and every board member has acted for what they believe is in the best interest of town residents.”
After thanking civic, religious and taxpayer groups, Gabryszak paused before thanking his family. He choked up briefly when he thanked his father.
“He taught me what it is to be a public servant,” Gabryszak said. “I truly love this job.”
The supervisor concluded by thanking the residents “for the opportunity to serve you...and for giving me the opportunity to serve you in a different way.”
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