NIAGARA FALLS -- Marie Smith, the Chairwoman of the State Reform Party, announced today her endorsement of Mayoral candidate John Accardo for the upcoming November election.
"After winning the primary election, John Accardo wasted no time in rolling out the 'Accardo Reform Agenda' that cites the need for bold leadership," said Rob Astorino who led the fight to establish the Reform Party in New York State.
Common sense governmental reforms and bold leadership are the basis of the Reform agenda throughout New York State and the pillars of John Accardo's vision for Niagara Falls. "Accardo is the perfect candidate to implement these reforms and we are excited to work with him to rebuild Niagara Falls," said Astorino.
Accardo officially accepted the Reform Party endorsement at his office on Pine Avenue. The Reform Party was an independent party that was originally named “Stop Common Core” and achieved permanent party status during the last gubernatorial election.
“The residents of Niagara Falls are begging for a leader to make the hard decisions, someone who has the courage to push real reform for the betterment of the city,” said Accardo. “Today, the gloves come off. It’s time to put the interests of Niagara Falls ahead of the status-quo and special interests, and I’m ready to lead that fight.”
Accardo wasted no time presenting his vision and tackling four planks that he feels need immediate attention.
“There couldn’t have been better timing for the Reform Party to make its presence known in Niagara Falls,” noted Accardo. “My platform: presenting an on-time and balanced budget, eliminating the insurance buyout for elected officials and appointees, instituting a casino revenue and spending plan, and finally eliminating the patronage jobs in City Hall, are just the beginning of common sense reforms this city deserves.”
In a city with fewer than 50,000 residents and a structural deficit that continues to grow beyond $7 million, Accardo says each plank is a necessary reform in order to stimulate positive growth.
“I will uphold the City Charter’s intent and present an on-time, balanced budget every year,” held Accardo. “It’s important that we end budgetary practices that deplete our reserve funds and waste taxpayer money.”
Reform is “more than a word” explained Accardo. “It’s time we fixed what’s broken in Niagara Falls.”
“On Day One, I will reject any form of taxpayer health insurance, mandate that my department heads decline any buy-out, and work to outlaw this obscene perk for elected officials and appointees,” Accardo said.
Accardo also vowed to put a plan in place to better manage revenues and spending arising from Seneca Niagara Casino revenues turned over to the city.
“This administration has squandered over $100 million in casino revenue and what do we have to show for it?” said Accardo. “Those funds should be used to stimulate private economic development and ensure citizens have long-term solutions for decade-old problems.”
Accardo also pledged to end patronage hiring in City Hall, calling it “the biggest reform of all.”
“Why are we supporting Paul Dyster’s political allies on the backs of taxpayers?” demanded Accardo. “Three of the last four hires are known campaign workers for the mayor, yet 900 days and still no city engineer. City Hall is not a political headquarters. We need to hire the best, not the best-connected.”
John Accardo is the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform Party candidate. His opponent is incumbent Mayor Paul Dyster, who is looking to extend his time in office to 12 years.