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It appears as if the Democratic primary is set for Niagara Falls City Council. Voting will take place June 24.
Endorsed Democrats John Kinney, Noah Munoz and Bridgette Myles and challengers Michia Lee and Sylvanna Rahman all had enough signatures to make the ballot according to the Board of Elections which heard challenges.
Myles could still be removed in a hearing over alleged petition fraud scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday.
The Democratic Committee attempted to file a court challenge against Rahman and Lee but didn’t serve legal papers within acceptable time limits.
A challenge to the endorsed slate also failed although there might still be action against Myles.
Dante Richardson was also challenged for his right to be on the ballot as a Republican in the 6th District for County Legislature but that failed over the problems with service.
Three seats are open on the city council.
Democratic insiders:
Restaino-nominated candidates:
- John Kinney, former DPW leader and long-time city employee, now retired.
- Bridgette Myles, former Restaino employee with lots of experience from many different jobs.
- Noah Munoz, political newcomer and Realtor with billboards all over town
Unendorsed incumbent
- Donta Myles, finishing his first term on the council. Life insurance salesperson who lost his job helping homeless youth when the Mayor cut funding to community missions. Grandstands in meetings but listens to and represents the Black community which takes a great interest in city government.
Democratic Challengers:
- Sylvanna Rahman, Niagara Falls newcomer. Came from New York City. Software engineer and real estate investor.
- Michia Lee, Niagara Falls natives. Social media influencer. Came to the race late and gathered petitions in a whirlwind.
Endorsed Republican:
- David Zajac, bowling coach finishing his first term on council. Doesn’t speak often or bring issues to the public but has, on rare occasion, stood against the status quo.
Republican Challengers running with party support
- Vincent Cauley, served a short council term as an appointed Republican. Engineer. Outspoken regular attendee at council meetings. Thinks better roads are more important than bike paths. Railed against the new LED streetlight project.
- Tanya Barone: Regular attendee and speaker at council meetings. Realtor and animal rights activists. As spoken at meetings on the dog shelter crisis as well as questioning the wisdom of solar panels.
Republican who circulated petitions and remains on he Conservative Line for November
- John Accardo: Former mayoral candidate who served on city council from 1992 to 2001. Closely aligned with Restaino. Also held in high esteem by the Italian American community and numerous people held in well regarded by the Niagara Express. He remains on the Conservative line.
