LEWISTON: Caucus time in village

By Dan Miner<br><a href="mailto:minerd@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Dan</a>
Niagara Gazette

April 16, 2008 08:11 pm

— Two seats on the Lewiston Village Board of Trustees will open up soon to all challengers — as Democrat and Republican caucuses each loom near the end of April.
“It’s really an old, old political process,” said Ed Devantier, a Lewiston GOP Committee member who recently stepped down as chairman. “It’s kind of quaint and it’s down home American politics the way it used to be.”
The seats, which carry four-year terms, are currently held by Michael Marra and Ron Winkley. Both incumbents are Republicans and running for re-election. The general election is June 17.
“I’m definitely proud of what the board’s accomplished and I’ve had the opportunity to learn from them over the past four years,” Marra said. “I’m in a better position to serve the village now and do a better job.”
The village board — a traditional and current Republican stronghold — has already attracted a number of Democrats interested in running this year, said Diane Roberts, chairperson of the Lewiston Democratic Committee. Roberts is hoping for a strong showing like the one posed two years ago by Jerry Mosey.
“We are very interested as a party in having solid Democrats elected to the village seats that are open,” Roberts said.
Both caucuses will be held at Village Hall on Fourth Street. The Republicans will hold one at 6 p.m. on April 24 and the Democrats will hold theirs 7 p.m. on April 28. Only village residents can participate.

IF YOU GO
• WHAT: Republican caucus
• WHEN: 6 p.m., April 24
• WHERE: Village Hall on Fourth Street
• MORE INFO: Call

IF YOU GO
• WHAT: Democratic caucus
• WHEN: 7 p.m., April 28
• WHERE: Village Hall on Fourth Street
• MORE INFO: Call 622-4755.