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Wallenda walk sparks political jabs

Niagara County's political wars aren't being suspended while Nik Wallenda readies for his walk above the Niagara Gorge.

State Senator George Maziarz and Assemblyman John Ceretto were sponsors of legislation to allow the Wallenda walk to take place.

Both have criticized City Hall and Mayor Paul Dyster, saying they aren't properly supporting the event.

Dyster found a defender in City Council Member Kristen Grandinetti.

"Sadly for me that the Senator and the Assemblyman really take an opportunity to criticize our mayor whenever they get the chance," Grandinetti said.

"He's the best mayor, I think, we've had in 40 years. He's smart. He's got a big plan. He's articulate. He's honest and I couldn't ask for anybody better. I know that this event is what he's been working on all week."

According to Dyster, Wallenda practiced yesterday with the help of spraying water from a city fire truck.

In all, he estimates the will spend $36,000 in overtime pay on the walk day.

Mike Desmond is one of Western New York’s most experienced reporters, having spent nearly a half-century covering the region for newspapers, television stations and public radio. He has been with WBFO and its predecessor, WNED-AM, since 1988. As a reporter for WBFO, he has covered literally thousands of stories involving education, science, business, the environment and many other issues. Mike has been a long-time theater reviewer for a variety of publications and was formerly a part-time reporter for The New York Times.