Published: November 03, 2009 11:40 pm      

LEWISTON: Bax, Marra win town council seats

Alfonso Bax was the top vote-getter in Tuesday’s election and earned his second term on the Lewiston Town Council. He will be joined by two-time village trustee and council newcomer, Michael Marra.

Bax, a favorite coming into the race, is a registered Republican, he garnered the endorsement of all five major political parties and earned 45 percent of the vote.

Bax said is set to take his second four-year term on the council and that there are numerous issues that he would like to “see through” during this term.

“I am very excited the residents of Lewiston voted me in for a second term four-year term,” he said. “Issues like Modern traffic, electricity in the town, an eco-tourism pathway and consolidation issues between the town and village are all things I look forward to accomplishing.”

Bax said the previous board worked very well together and the addition of Marra is a “comfortable” situation.

“Michael Marra is a great guy. I have worked with him in many capacities and I feel comfortable working with him in the future,” Bax said.

Marra said he was initially reluctant to run for council. Marra earned 34 percent of the vote and it was a direct result of his work on the village board the past five years.

Bax finished with 2,901 votes, followed closely by Marra with 2,257. David V. Sanchez came in third with 1,341 votes.

All results are unofficial until verified by the Niagara County Board of Elections.

Sanchez, a Williamsville native and political newcomer, came up short in is first attempt at public office. He had hoped to work toward the consolidation effort as well as stressed the importance of eco-tourism.

Sanchez could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

In discussing his future on the board, Marra said he is going to bring a no-nonsense, hard-working approach and will serve in the best interest of the residents of Lewiston.

“I am excited about the opportunity the voters have given me to serve them,” Marra said. “I think I can bring fiscal responsibility to the town as well as aiding in the improvement of quality of life.”

Marra said he would like to focus on parks and improving children’s activities within the town but he said most importantly serving the people is the most important thing he can do. Prior to the election, he earned the endorsement of the Republican, Independent and Conservative parties.

Marra said that for as great as Lewiston already is, it can only get better with the help of people like Bax and newly elected Lewiston Supervisor Steven L. Reiter, who defeated incumbent Fred Newlin.