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Local candidates: John Deleo, District 7, county legislature

By Howard B. Owens

We've asked each of the candidates in the city council and county legislature races to answer a couple of questions regarding why they're running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Election Day is Tuesday.

Here's the response from John Deleo, candidate for county legislature, District 7.

I am running for District 7 Genesee County Legislator because I want to give back to the community.  I was born and raised in both the 1st and 6th wards, and have lived here my whole life. I love this city and Genesee County. I worked with my father in the family business, Deleo's, a tavern that was located first on Ellicott Street, then moved to Main Street. When the business closed because of family illness, I began working for the NYS Department of Correctional Services. I just retired this year. My children still live in the area and I want them to stay, yet I see how hard it is to do that with the economy.

I was an employee assistance program coordinator, working with people and helping them find the resources to address their personal problems. I really enjoy interacting with people and helping them.

Having served on the last City Charter Commission, I worked to streamline our city government and make it more efficient. I currently serve on the Batavia City Planning Board, helping both people and businesses.

I don't owe anybody anything except the voters.

I believe that you don't lay people off as proposed by the county and not share the pain. That's why I will fight for a 10-percent cut in the pay legislators receive and end other perks. Again, you have to take cuts yourself if you lay off dedicated county staff.

Genesee County is a wonderful place to live, but it is facing hard financial times. The economic recession, a limited tax base, a state tax cap and increasing state mandates have put a squeeze on our budget. As a result, Genesee County might lay off more than 20 people. I want to make sure that if there are layoffs, public safety is not endangered.

I want to end the practice of giving kids our tax money that they use to "learn how to budget" by shopping in Monroe County. That is outrageous.

I will fight to see the NYS auditors recommendations on reforming the Genesee County Economic Development Committee (GCEDC) put in place. No more bonuses and perks. I want all job creation claims verified and want the public to know if the jobs are really new or just relocated around the area.

I feel the proposed Genesee County tax on our cars is wrong. Working families cannot afford another new tax and I will fight it.

I will work hard and do my best for you, if through the grace of God and voters, I am fortunate enough to be allowed to serve you in the legislature. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Mark Potwora

I know John personally and he is a very honest what you see is what you get type of person...He will fight to get the job done right...He has my vote and i would hope many others..He will make a great county legislator....Give him a shot..You all know his opponents record of voting on Batavia city council..Which always for increasing taxes...

Nov 4, 2011, 1:13pm Permalink
George Richardson

I have never met him and I don't know a thing about him but his ad makes it look like he takes himself too seriously. I'm glad I can't vote for him because of my, current location and, deeply ingrained preconcieved notions. But there is always a 50/50 chance that I am full of shit. You can take that to the bank and they will be disgusted too. Is it Saturday again? It's like the tick, tick, tick of a watch going faster all the time. Fall back at 2 a.m. like you are told to by the man.

Nov 5, 2011, 5:57pm Permalink
George Richardson

What do they call this over posting stuff? Manic-Depressive, Bi-Polar, Buy Local or By George? I wish I could quit cha, but I'm helplessly and hopelessly in love with a memory. Even though I am fully aware that it is only a memory. I wouldn't have to live there if reality didn't suck for the bottom 99%. Perhaps John Lennon was right. [video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEKhl1-G7Jo]

Nov 5, 2011, 6:07pm Permalink
Lorie Longhany

John Deleo has unique ties in two Wards that represent District 7 in the City that couldn't be more different. This gives constituents a chance to have representation from someone who will have insight for both. It played a very large part in the Genesee Democrats decision to endorse. I hope the voters will give John the chance to represent them.

Nov 6, 2011, 9:29pm Permalink

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