LEWISTON ELECTION: Marra looks for second term

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

June 17, 2008 03:28 pm

— For Mike Marra, 40, a one-term incumbent on the Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees and deputy mayor, it wasn’t exactly a smooth election season. Marra lost in the Republican line in a surprising fashion when David Baird gained more votes at the village caucus — Baird later declined the nomination — but Marra decided to run anyway on the independent line, “Our Village Party.”
The election is from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Red Brick School gym. The seats carry four year terms.
QUESTION: What do you consider the village’s biggest challenge and how do you plan to address it?
ANSWER: One of the first meetings I attended when I was elected to the board four years ago was run by Timothy Lockhart, the administrator of the Water Pollution Control Center and he discussed how important it will be for the village to address its aging sewer and water lines. Since that time I have made every effort to keep the issue in the forefront and over the past couple of years the Village of Lewiston has committed a great deal of resources and have solved some major issues. There is still work to be done and while holding the line on taxes, monies have been committed this year to continue this crucial project.
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Q: How do you plan to balance commercial and residential interests in the village?
A: The practice that I have adopted is that when anyone in the village has a concern, whether they be a resident or a business owner, is to listen and understand the nature of their dilemma and then to bring all affected parties together to initiate a dialogue. It has been extremely satisfying over the past four years to see citizens get involved with groups such as Artpark & Co., the Whirlpool Jet Boat, law enforcement, New York State Parks and the Town and Village Boards to discuss concerns. There have been many compromises made and it is this type of discourse that I feel is the key to striking a balance.
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Q: The Frontier House project has gained a lot of publicity and met with some criticism. Where do you stand on the proposal by developer Richard Hastings and how important is the project?
A: The project is very important as the Frontier House is the most historic structure in the Village of Lewiston and is on the National Historic Register. However, the building is currently in disrepair and the cost to refurbish the building has been estimated at up to $3 million. In my opinion and the feedback from residents has been saving this building is paramount. Currently, a grant is being considered that would assist in restoring the structure as well as require 51 percent of the Frontier House be for public use. To me, this seems like the most positive option as public access to this signature building would certainly help in maintaining the village’s past. Ultimately, the property is owned by Mr. Hastings and the municipality will continue to work with him on all options.
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Q: What is your vision for the village’s future?
A: My vision for the Village of Lewiston includes maintaining the historic character and the nine parks within the village limits, continue the top-notch services to the citizens, retaining an accessible and walkable community as well as the established commercial success and beauty of Center Street. It has been so encouraging to hear the overwhelming optimism and pride that so many of the residents and I share of the Village of Lewiston.
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Q: Why do you think you deserve a new term on the board?
A: Over the past four years I believe that I’ve worked well with department heads, evaluated issues from every side and listened to all involved parties before making a decision and have established a rapport with town, county and state representatives whose assistance I’ve found to be crucial in assisting our village in completing a project. In conclusion, I would say that the qualities I bring to the position of trustee include enthusiasm, hard work, commitment and respect for the Village of Lewiston.