Three contested races brewing for Council wards

Six candidates are running in three contested races forward seats on Amherst City Council.

For 1st Ward, Democrat Brian Dembinski, who was appointed to fill a seat vacated by resignation of Steve Bukovac, lines up against Republican Bradley A. Lacko. For 2nd Ward, Republican Edwin R. Cowger, who was appointed to fill an unexpired term of David Goodell, faces off against Democrat Angie W. Schubert.

For 4th Ward, Democrat Martin Heberling III runs against Republican Matthew W. Nahorn for a seat vacated by 18-year-veteran Jennifer Wasilk who is running for council president against incumbent John Dietrich.

Each seat has a two-year term.

1st Ward Dembinski

Dembinski, 35, wants to normalize utility bills which vary widely from month to month, upgrade the city information technology infrastructure, and create a rain barrel program for sustainability and reduction of storm water from the sewer system.

Lacko

Lacko, 38, would like to support Mayor Mark Costilow in environmentally conscious development strategies, upgrade meter reading systems, and continue excellent service from police and fire departments.

2nd Ward Cowger

Cowger, 51, intends to continue the best Amherst services, control revenue growth with new business

and more joint economic development projects, and continue moving forward through embracing technologies and keeping a standard-setting, futuristic vision.

Schubert

Schubert, 38, would like to create a friendly, open city council, by holding regular open office hours for folks to visit with her and express concerns. Also, she wants to improve sidewalks, add more bike racks, and ensure repaired railroad bridges for better safety an appearance.

4th Ward Heberling

Heberling, 41, hopes to work on a city council team, invest in infrastructure, increase public awareness, appreciate safety-service contributors, and increase recreation

programs for all ages.

Nahorn

Nahorn, 28, intends to provide seamless and quick responses to residents’ questions, research projects to ensure money is spent wisely, champion infrastructure updates, and focus on conservation while growing the economy.

Running uncontested races in Amherst are:

• Derek M. Pittak, Republican, auditor, fouryear term.

• Richard S. Ramsey, Republican, treasurer, fouryear term.

• David Janik, Democrat, council-at-large, twoyear term.

• Joe Miller, Democrat, council-at-large, two-year term.

• Phil Van Treuren, Republican, council-atlarge, two-year term.

• Chuck Winiarski, Republican, 3rd ward council, two-year-term.

Lacko

Nahorn

Schubert

Cowger