The race for the State Assembly seat formerly held by Dennis Gabryszak has its first contender. Angela Wozniak, a Cheektowaga town councilwoman, declared her Republican candidacy Wednesday. In making her announcement, Wozniak emphasized the need for ethics reform in Albany. She says district residents have been without representation in the Assembly due to the actions of the former assemblyman.
"In the last three months, three Assembly members have been kicked out of the Assembly after being convicted of felonies or ethical violations. If we want to really change Albany, we need to start electing people who aren't afraid to stand up to the status quo," Wozniak said, standing in front of Gabryszak's former Walden Avenue office.
Gabryzsak, a Democrat, was accused of inappropriate conduct by several female staff members. He resigned in disgrace in January and the seat has been vacant ever since. Governor Andrew Cuomo declined to call a special election for it or any other vacant seats across the state, saying the elections would be too costly.
Wozniak says in her two years on the town council, she has championed term limits, downsizing, tax reform, and consolidation. She says as a small business owner, she is familiar with the issues affecting residents.
"The Buffalo-Niagara region's success depends on turning around New York State's anti-business climate and creating and environment where young people are not in a place where they need to move in order to find gainful employment," she said.
The 143rd District includes Cheektowaga, Lancaster, Depew and Sloan. Wozniak is the first candidate to announce a run for the seat.
Angela Wozniak is not related to WBFO program host Mark Wozniak.
