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So Henry, did you ever sit down with anyone from the paper?
He said he did. It sounded like the paper’s editorial board, Joyce Myles, Cheryl Phillips and Matt Winterhalter along with Scheer. The gotcha was Mark asking Henry if he would be paying back the $121,000 the Comptroller alleged was misappropriated for sports tickets.
Henry said he countered by asking Mark if he had read the entire controller's report. The answer was no. That ended any chance for a real discussion.
What are you doing since leaving Western Region OTB?
He works for the Law Offices of Henry Wojtaszek
The Democrats call you “King Henry.” What do you think of that?
“I think it is humorous.” Wojtaszek, who started years ago as North Tonawanda City Attorney was County Republican chairperson from 2000 to 2009. Since 2018 Richard Endres has been chair.
“How is your relationship with Chris Borgatti?” (Borgatti was Niagara County Democratic Party chairperson for the last couple years.)
“I don’t really have one. I have seen and heard shots he took at me but I don’t really know him well.”
“Did you consider running for Mayor of North Tonawanda and do you think you could beat Austin Tylec?
He considered it but given the strength of Tylec he knew it would be a competitive race. He also said Tylec is an effective elected official who works very hard. After Henry stepped aside, retired police chief Tom Krantz gave it a go and got trounced.
Why did NT voters choose a Democratic majority?
Wojtaszek blamed an anti-Republican backlash from an energized electorate. He pointed out the anti-GOP backlash bolstered turnout – there were 800 to 1,000 voters who turned out in 2025 who did not vote in 2023. It was too much to overcome.
It is too early to tell what Tylec’s political ceiling might be.
“He certainly helped his ticket. He had definite coattails. I am happy to see good growth.”
Wojtaszek also mentioned the great accomplishments of Tylec’s predecessors, Art Pappas and Rob Ortt, both effective mayors and both Republicans. Pappas is retired. Ortt is Senate Minority Leader in Albany.
The Democrats gained a seat in the last Country Legislature election cycle but voters passed a law to recast terms from every two years to every four. That means all 15 seats are up in November. Is it beyond reason to think the Republicans could lose the majority?
The situation is statewide in 2025, some legislatures did flip, for example, Onondaga County. That said, the Niagara County Republicans have good candidates and the county tax base is growing. The Amazon distribution center is a big deal. So is the Lake Mariner Data Center in Somerset.
While the Republican majority has been fiscally conservative, it also needs to be on guard because of the political environment.
It seems like Becky Wydysh is a strong candidate for the 145th Assembly District. What do you like about her? Why is she better than Nate McMurray?
She is a great leader. I don’t know her well but I am a supporter. She is a legislative leader and a strong consensus builder who guided us through covid, excelled and has the ability to connect with people.
How do you feel about President Trump?
I certainly am a supporter of many of his policies. I was a delegate for him in 2016. His legacy remains to be seen.
What do you have to say about your tenure at OTB?
I am proud of my tenure at OTB and happy to be back on the board with unfinished business like being certain the concert series continues, expanding the hotel, making sure there is winter racing and maintaining the great relationship that exists between management, staff and patrons.
What about the investigations into WROTB?
Nothing was ever found that really mattered. It was all about George Maziarz running to the FBI.
So there are 3 judge Wojtaszeks. Caroline, Paul and Kathleen Wojtaszek Gariano. When will there be a fourth?
That’s funny, but not likely.
