Cauley to join council

Niagara Falls is getting a new council member. Vincent Cauley, 38, an RIT grad and mechanical engineer who lives on Welch Avenue was chosen by Council chair John Spanbauer, and council persons Traci Bax and David Zajac.

Spanbauer is leaving office in December. Cauley will take over in January. The city charter dictates a process for replacement of an elected councilmember who leaves office without completing a full term.The party in the majority gets to pick someone to fill the seat. In this case, that means a Republican.

“It was a very intimidating process,” said Cauley, a lifelong Republican, “but it was smooth and a comprehensive process.”

Cauley admits he missed the informal deadline set for applicants to apply because he didn’t know about it.

There were 15 people who applied, including two with prior experience, Spanbauer said. 5 were interviewed by Bax, Spanbauer and Zajac. Cauley proved to be the fresh face.

“He has conservative principles with really the type of things that can make a difference,” Republican Chairman Bill Carroll said.

Cauley is honored to accept this new challenge.

“I have ideas to get the people engaged more,” Cauley said. “No one has a clue who I am but I have been here all my life. I will be in the community more.”

Cauley, who has been around council meetings and events and also said Mount Sinai Baptist Church is a big part of who he is and another place where he’s easy to find and all are welcome.

In other council news:

The garbage fee is here to stay despite the objections of citizens and councilman Donta Myles. Myles had a contentious discussion over city revenue with Spanbauer who called him out for not attending budget planning sessions. The duo stayed after class to hash out their differences.

Mayor Restaino’s 2023 City budget moved toward a public hearing. 

More details will be in the Express tomorrow.