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General Election 2019

ILGR hosts Meet the Candidates Day Tuesday in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is holding a free “Meet the Candidates” Day to enable local residents with disabilities -- or anyone from the community -- to hear and discuss issues with some on the ballot in the November General Election.

Our Chief Policy Officer Todd Vaarwerk points out that those who achieve local positions now may be the state and national leaders of tomorrow!  So, whatever your political views, this is your year to get involved!

The event takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22nd, ILGR’s Main Office in the Crickler Executive Business Center, 319 W. Main St. in Batavia, in the Douglas J. Usiak Multipurpose Room.

To date, we have confirmations from Batavia City Court Judge candidates Durin B. Rogers (R, C, I) and Benjamin J. Bonarigo (D, WOR, GRE); and Batavia City Council Ward 3, Deborah Kerr Rosenbeck (LBT).

We have also invited those who are not running unopposed in the following positions, although not all will attend: Genesee County Legislators District 8; Batavia City Council wards 3 and 5; various local positions: Alexander Town Clerk; Bergen Town Clerk; Bethany Town Council; Byron Town Supervisor and Town Council; Darien Town Supervisor, Town Justice and Town Council; Pavilion Highway Superintendent; and Pembroke Town Justice.

They will address their constituents and take questions.

(The party abbreviations (in alphabetical order): C – Conservative, D – Democrat, GRE – Green, I – Independence, LIB - Libertarian, R – Republican, WOR – Working Families.)

If an attendee wishes to be familiar with the “hot” disability issues, sheets of suggested questions will be provided; but participants are encouraged to ask about public concerns that are close to them. The building is fully disability accessible.

To RSVP or get additional information call Donna at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Retired Batavia City Court Judge Michael DelPlato endorses Ben Bonarigo for judgeship

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Retired Batavia City Court Judge Michael DelPlato has endorsed Ben Bonarigo for the City of Batavia judgeship.

“I ask that you support and vote for Ben Bonarigo,” DelPlato said. “I have been blessed to practice law here in Batavia for 47 years and privileged to serve as Batavia City Judge for 12 years.

"I have known Ben since he was a student at the Batavia Middle School. Ben is the most experienced trial attorney in this area and is offering those skills to the citizens of Batavia.”

DelPlato also mentions that Bonarigo “...has served as City attorney, has trial experience in civil, criminal, family and municipal law, which includes extensive experience in jury trials. What a rare and unique opportunity for our voters to elect such an outstanding candidate.”

Bonarigo responded: “This endorsement, coming from a former Judge who spent 12 years in the position I am seeking, who knows what the qualifications and background requirements are for the position is truly humbling.

Added Bonarigo, “coming from such a highly regarded judge, attorney and gentleman as Mike DelPlato makes this endorsement that much more gratifying to me.”

(Photo: Retired Batavia City Court Judge Michael DelPlato, left, and city judgeship candidate Ben Bonarigo.)

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