Councilman Anderson Wants Action on Rats

Rats enjoy a drink out of a discarded water pan. Rats are infesting some of the neighborhoods in LaSalle.

It was a little over a year ago that this newspaper brought to light a rat problem near the Covanta Energy Plant in Niagara Falls. While the rat problem was eventually brought under control, it appears a new rat issue may be emerging in LaSalle and Councilman Bob Anderson is ringing the warning bell.

"I've received a number of calls on rats on 71st and 86th Streets, and the city needs to get in there and check it out," he told the Reporter, following up on comments he made at last week's special council meeting where the tax settlement with One Niagara was approved by a 3 -2 vote.

"There's been a lot about the Blues Festival in the media, but nothing on the rats," said the veteran city lawmaker. "I'm certainly hoping the administration is paying attention and follows up on the more than two dozen calls I've received about the rodents. I brought it out at the council meeting, hoping the mayor and the administration responds to the neighborhood concerns."

While others were focused on funding the Blues Festival, Councilman Robert Anderson feels the priority should be rats.

"First I've heard of it," said Dennis Virtuoso, senior building/housing inspector for the city, when contacted by the Reporter on Monday (Aug. 18). "I was not at last week's special (Aug. 14) meeting because I had surgery. But now that you mentioned it, we'll take a look and see what needs to be done, whether we need the Health Department to get involved."

Anderson, a highly decorated 22-year Air Force veteran who is regarded as a strong taxpayer advocate, may have slowed a bit in recent years after suffering a stroke more than 10 years ago, but he's no less passionate about his role as a voice for the people now than he was when he was first elected to the council in 2003.

"I shouldn't have to raise my voice [to be heard]," said Anderson in discussing his concern about the slow reaction to his warning about the recurring rat menace in LaSalle. "I'm hoping now, with your story in the paper, we'll get some action."