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New Directions for Niagara Democrats

By Glenn Gramigna

Nick Forster
Nick D’Aloise

Last week, if your name was Nick and you were an ambitious Democrat, it was likely a good week for you.

Nick Forster, a senior investigator with the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, and Nick D’Aloise, an employee of the Niagara County Board of Elections, were both elected to be Chairman of Democratic committees. Forster became head of Niagara County’s, while D’Aloise was picked by the City of Niagara Falls.

“Of course, I want to revive the Democratic Party in this county,” Forster said. “I want to see us winning more elections again as we did during my time as county chairman from 1995 to 2001, when we won races for county sheriff, district attorney, and family court and a lot of local races. I want to communicate a message of lower taxes and leaner county government. I want to put an end to 12 years of one party rule in this county during which taxes have continually gone up, while patronage has been expanded. I want to put an end to 12 years of mismanagement by the current majority in the Legislature during which, not only Democrats but the people, have had no voice.”

D’Aloise also wants to change the tone and style of the party. He will run a different kind of committee, he said. “I don’t want our committee to blindly take orders from Mayor Dyster or anyone of the top elected Democrats. Everyone has a voice and no one person should have a dominant say over the others. And we can’t fight each other anymore. I don’t want anyone to unilaterally select candidates.

…. I think we can work together. Dyster and, soon to be elected Assemblyman Robert Restaino, County Chairman Forster and I are not always going to agree on every candidate. I personally am not going to make decisions on endorsement before the endorsement meetings. It is not going to be part of my leadership to force anyone on the committee. We aren’t going to let Democrats who do not wholly support the party leaders be alienated.”

The stark difference between the two men would have to be experience. D’Aloise, at age 27, has been credited for being an energetic, hard worker, having worked on Paul Dyster’s mayoral campaign in 2007, working on former State Senator Antoine Thompson’s staff and as campaign manager for failed council candidate Alicia Laible. He also had a brief stint working in New York City pursuant to the directions of State Democrats and his former boss.

In contrast, Forster was a former city chairman and county chairman. “My father had been inspired to get involved in politics by John F. Kennedy,” Forster recalls. “As a kid, I remember working in a lot of campaigns. I first became a Democratic committeeman when I was 18 or 19.” He ultimately left the political stage to care for his ailing parents, but was eventually drawn back in by then-county legislator candidate Jason Zona.

“Jason came to my house seeking petition signatures and we had a great conversation,” Forster remembers. “He encouraged me to consider running for county chairman and came back several times. Then others began to ask me. After a while, I realized this was something I really should do.”

It seems that it may be Zona’s hand that is directing the changes in Niagara region politics. D’Aloise also worked on his campaign and has nothing but praise for him. “We’re looking for younger, newer ideas for the party. Someone that’s an energetic worker like him is perfect for the position. I think with him, under the leadership of Nick Forster, as the county chairman, he’s got a great person to mentor him for bigger things.”

What they have in common, as would be expected of a party chairman, is an intense desire to propel Democrats forward, and push Republicans out.

“Frankly, we are a financially struggling community,” D’Aloise said. “We are short on jobs and we pay excessive taxes. Local and State Republicans have done nothing to alleviate either of these problems, and they’re supposed to be the party of job creation and tax relief?”

“With a message of lower taxes and bringing back two-party government to Niagara County, I think we can win again. My immediate goals this year are to help re-elect Congresswoman Kathy Hochul, to elect Bob Restaino to the New York State Assembly, and Amy Witryol to the New York State Senate.”

By their victories, it is clear both men enjoy support within their respective committees. Time will tell if they have the ability to lead them in a new and different direction.

 

 

Niagara Falls Reporter www.niagarafallsreporter.com Oct 02 , 2012