Published: May 10, 2008 11:54 pm            

POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: This legislator sounded more like a pastor

Everyone knows Niagara County Legislator Rick Updegrove is a lawyer, which in and of itself means he’s about as far removed from being a man of the cloth as is humanly possible.

Still, following his impassioned speech on the floor of the Legislature this week, it was a little difficult telling the difference.

During a rather lengthy discussion that Chairman Bill Ross would later classify as a full-on “filibuster,” Updegrove went on a rant in defense of the county’s oft-maligned economic development team. He passionately defending Sam Ferraro and his crew as a group of hard-working, dedicated public servants who are doing a great job for the county and its economy.

When it was all over, Town of Sanborn resident Rose Mary Warren offered the following assessment of the Majority Leader’s performance:

“I think Mr. Updegrove missed his calling,” she said. “He should have been a minister.”

Future candidate

He’s not quite there yet, but Niagara County Legislator Dan Sklarski, D-Town of Niagara, admitted this week that he’s fast approaching status as a future “senior citizen of the year,” both in terms of age and actions.

Earlier this week, Sklarski stepped to the podium inside legislative chambers at the county courthouse to join Office of the Aging Director Chris Richbart in honoring this year’s top senior, North Tonawanda resident Mary McKenna.

While attempting to read a proclamation in McKenna’s honor, Sklarski stumbled over the words and lost his place, suggesting to him that he’s on his way to receiving the honor himself.

“I must have had a senior moment,” he quipped.

Collecting for vets

Members of the Niagara County Democratic Committee are looking for the community’s support in helping wounded soldiers.

On May 17, the committee will join with the non-profit organization Jammies for GIs in collecting new clothes, toiletries, cash donations, cards, letters of support and other personal need items for soldiers wounded overseas.

Welcome items include pajamas, sweat pants, shorts, T-shirts, slippers, socks, bathrobes, bath towels, wash cloths, hand-held games, DVDs, books, magazines, crossword puzzles, pre-paid phone cards and support letters and cards. Cash donations are also welcome.

Jammies for GIs is a national organization founded by mothers of wounded soldiers who wanted to make sure injured soldiers overseas had all the comforts of home while being treated for their injuries.

“This is a non-political event,” said Democratic Party Chairman Dan Rivera. “This is about supporting wounded veterans. We just want people to come out and contribute what they can for Jammies for GIs.”

Contributions will be welcome at the following locations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 17: the UAW hall at 524 Walnut St. in Lockport; the Christoforo Columbo Society on Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls; Johnnie’s Bike Shop at 1246 Payne Ave. in North Tonawanda; the American Legion Post at 6526 Ward Road in the Town of Wheatfield and the VFW Post on Third Street in Youngstown. Donations also are being accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17 at the Colonial Plaza on Center Street in Lewiston.

For information, contact Rivera at 381-2482 or visit the Web site at www.jammiesforgis.org.

        

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