Francine DelMonte to run for Lewiston Council

Moments before press time, the Niagara Falls Reporter learned that former Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte will be running for a seat on the town board of Lewiston.

"I've been a student of government for many a year and an observer of the government of Lewiston. And I feel it's the right time," DelMonte said, confirming her plans to announce this week for her candidacy- her first in five years.

DelMonte, a Democrat, served in the state assembly for 10 years and was succeeded by John Ceretto.

She lost in a Democratic primary to John Accardo then went on to lose in a three way race which saw Ceretto emerge as the winner over Accardo and her.

DelMonte will run for one of two open seats on the Lewiston town board - currently held by William Conrad and Ron Winkley both Republicans.

"Seeing the changes at the town and its poor management in the past under the former town supervisor and the good work the present supervisor is doing to balance the budget... I think the time is right."

Last year DelMonte was appointed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to be the Chairwoman of USA Niagara.

DelMonte has been active in a number of civic activities and in the county Democratic committee.

Next week the Reporter will have more to report on this late breaking development.