Published: November 24, 2006 09:37 pm      

LEGISLATURE: Replacement sought for empty seat

Aronow recommends adversary from last year’s race

The Niagara County Legislature is now accepting applications.

In a rare opportunity that will allow the successful candidate to take elected office without campaigning, residents of the east side of the city of Lockport are eligible to apply for the seat that was vacated with little notice by Legislator Glenn Aronow, R-Lockport.

In a move perhaps more surprising than Aronow’s resignation was his recommendation that his seat be filled by William Keith McNall, president of the Lockport School Board and Aronow’s opponent in the last election.

McNall, called at home and awakened from sleep for comment, said he was taken aback by an opponent’s praise.

“Wow, I must be dreaming this. Holy mackerel,” McNall said. “I’m flattered, I guess. ... I thank Mr. Aronow for the gracious remarks and respectful acknowledgment.”

McNall is a Republican but ran in 2005 with Democratic support.

Aronow’s replacement must be a registered Republican.

The race between the two men was close and hard fought.

In campaigning, Aronow sought to use McNall’s lengthy school board service against him by casting him as a big spender; Aronow supporters additionally claimed school staff and/or resources were put to work campaigning for McNall, a charge McNall vehemently denied.

McNall, who campaigned as a self-described consensus builder, said he’s definitely still interested in county service.

“Certainly I will apply for the vacancy, after talking it over more with my family this Thanksgiving weekend,” he said.

In announcing his departure, Aronow said he wished to have more time to spend with his family.

He said this of his former opponent: “Mr. William Keith McNall has significant governmental experience as well as a proven commitment to the community,” Aronow wrote. “Despite the contentious race that Mr. McNall and I participated in just one year ago, I believe he would serve the residents of the 16th District well.”

Aronow also said McNall’s strong showing in both the primary and general election led him to the realization that “a good portion of the (voters) believed he would serve the district well.”

Legislature Majority Leader Malcom Needler, R-North Tonawanda, said a search committee will be set up and a candidate will be named, likely to fill the rest of the term.

Whether that person is McNall is still unclear, Needler said.

“I’ve never met Keith McNall,” Needler said. “I understand he’s a quality person from what I gather. I’m looking forward to speaking to him if he’s interested.”

Aronow, who at times was a confrontational sort, has laid low since he landed a job with the western New York office of the state Senate Majority. He said his decision to depart the legislature was “difficult” but necessary.

“I truly enjoy serving in the Legislature. However, the time commitment is a significant one. I have missed many of my three daughter’s sporting events, open houses at school and even birthday parties,” he wrote. “Those who know me know I will not ‘coast’ along. If I cannot make the necessary commitment to do the job (effectively) ... I must turn the seat over to someone who will.”