Carl Cain running for Mayor

Carl Cain wants to be Mayor

It’s early in the race for Niagara Falls Mayor. Incumbent Robert Restaino has announced his intent for reelection. Now retired Deputy Police Superintendent Carl Cain has announced his bid for the office.

Cain retired in 2019 and is also a military veteran. He carries the endorsement of the city’s Republican committee.

“I didn’t want to by Mayor,” Cain said in a phone interview, “but I am not a fan of urban renewal. To quote John Kennedy, ‘it’s not a matter of what your city can do for you but what you can do for your city.’ “

Cain, 58, lives on 13th Street by Memorial Parkway and said for him, it is a matter not of beating Restaino but doing the best he can for the city.

“The people will decide,” he said “but Centennial Park? I am against it.”

Cain served 27 years in the Air National Guard and then the Army National Guard. He is divorced with 3 daughters.

In a worst case scenario he sees not raising taxes. In the best case, he would ask department heads to cut 3 to 5 percent of budget.

He also wants to be supportive of police doing their job and not having to be concerned about public perceptions or racism.

He told a story of police sometimes being out of touch. For example, at an event commemorating Marsh McWilson’s son recently, he heard screaming behind the closed door of a neighboring home and appointed it out to an officer on the scene who walked over, stood in front of the home for a moment and walked away. To him, it was an example where the officer should have at least knocked on the door.

There is a technology void in the city as well. For example, cameras in place on Pine Avenue for years haven’t been used to catch one crime Cain said.

So far three people have declared candidacy for two open council seats, tax prepared Mike Gawel and engineer Vince Cauley as well as human resources retiree Jim Perry.

There has been discussion in the community about former council member Ezra Scott running for Mayor but he has not declared a candidacy.

“I don’t care how great or how horrible your ideas are,” Cain said, “you are only one person. I have no problem with anyone.” He can be contacted at infor@carlcain.com