Clark set to run for town supervisor - ‘next year or three years from now’

Rob Clark hopes to become the next town of Niagara Supervisor.

Steve Richards, longtime Town of Niagara Supervisor.

Clark said he received this sketch (right) in the mail at his home, after he was interviewed by law enforcement agents, concerning Town Supervisor Steve Richards. Clark said that, although he has opposed Richards on matters of policy, he had nothing to do with launching the investigation, was simply questioned by the FBI and that he doesn’t know who sent the sketch to his home.

Town of Niagara Council member Robert Clark told the Niagara Falls Reporter he is “definitely going to run for town supervisor.”

The only question he said, is when.

The election is slated to be held three years from now, however, Clark said he believes there is a “possibility” that town supervisor, Steve Richards will “step down later this year,” creating a special election next year.

Clark said an investigation into Richards involves the New York State Attorney General’s office and the FBI.

Sources close to Richards told the Reporter that Richards has been ailing, but does not have plans to retire.

Clark and other town board members confirmed they have been questioned by state and federal law enforcement concerning activities related to Richards and town business.

Richards’ attorney, Rodney Personius told the Niagara Gazette last month he has had discussions with agents from the Buffalo office of the FBI, but Richards has not been formally accused of any wrong-doing.

“(The FBI) concluded their investigation and we’ve had discussions,” Personius said.

In early March, federal agents met privately with Richards to discuss what the supervisor described as “town business.” Other town officials were subsequently contacted.

Clark said, although he had nothing to do with the initial investigation, the day following his interview with law enforcement agents, he received an anonymous envelope which contained a drawing of a rat.

Clark, a Democratic council member since 2006, has frequently been at odds with Richards, a Republican, now in his 17th year as town supervisor.

The town of Niagara has a population of 8,300 and is predominantly Democratic.

“I’ve decided to run,” Clark said, “whether next year or three years from now. Our town needs a new direction.”