Celebrate the North Tonawanda Market

Here’s to big victories and Mayor Austin Tylec. The North Tonawanda City Market is the best in the United States.

The Mayor has taken a lot of heat from the start with Republicans taking cheapshots at him, whether for supporting a community bicycle ride or expecting his office to be staffed the way every Mayor has or even spreading rumors about whom he has dated.

At one point, an operative reached out to me with unsubstantiated “gotcha mud” I shit canned for lack of substantiation. Reality is he’s doing a good job and likely can eventually, if he chooses, use his seat as a springboard for higher office in Washington or Albany.

Now a word about that market:

It is the gold standard for every city market everywhere. Whenever we travel, to California, Michigan, Quebec, Maine or Tennessee, we visit whatever community market is there and compare it to two: North Tonawanda and Ithaca.

Niagara Falls, hopefully will build critical mass once again and be better. I shop there out of community support and convenience.

North Tonawanda is where I go when we want cheese, beef, a deal on produce or apples or the best baked goods from Anastasia’s. Any way, I could ramble on, but here’s Mayor Tylec’s celebratory message.

“It’s official! Our North Tonawanda City Market was voted #1 in the Nation! Truly an incredible accomplishment thanks to our farmers, vendors, community members, sponsors, and without a doubt our Market Manager Chris Delprince.

“Under his leadership, he has completely reenergized our market into a diverse, engaging, and community based space for all to enjoy.

“Reorganizing the structure of the vendor applications/rules, bringing in donors to rehabilitate and enhance the entire market, creating new events for all to enjoy, designing an eye catching logo & website, and so much more. Thank you Chris DelPrince, this would not possible without you.

“Appointing you was worth the initial struggle we faced!”

Leadership comes from the front. I wish Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino success with his vision for the City Market on Pine Avenue. It’s all about possibilities. Austin saw a thriving market and brought in a manager to make it better.

The Falls market is better today than it was a year ago and will be better a year from now. The way is forward.