Niagara Reporter
By Kristen M. Grandinetti
Dear Fellow Niagara Falls Voters:
We are at the homestretch… less than a week until the SEPTEMBER 12 primary. The POLLS are open from 12:00 noon until 9:00 pm. There are three (3) City Council seats available. I am asking for your vote for one of those seats.
I am SHAPED BY THE PAST, it made me who I am – I am WORKING IN THE PRESENT, for a good life for all of us.
I am BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE, with our children in mind. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend – I am a teacher, a public servant, an activist, a believer. I love Niagara Falls, I truly do. I believe in our future.
I will tell you the truth, even when it is difficult to do so. I will speak truth to power. I will do my best for you.
I will represent and respect you, ALL OF YOU. There is so much more I want to do for our community.
A little about myself: I was born and raised in Niagara Falls. My father was an immigrant/refugee, who fled Italy because of political oppression. He was orphaned here when he was twelve, but stayed to fulfill his father’s dream of becoming an American citizen and building a life here. My mother’s family, also of Italian descent, settled in Niagara Falls as well. My parents were hard working, respected members of this community. Sadly, we lost my mom when I was just nine. It was then my Dad became the most important person in my life.
I acquired my values from him, as well as his work ethic and his dedication to family and community. He loved Niagara Falls, and he was the most patriotic American I ever met. He considered it an honor to be an American citizen.
He was unique for a man of his background and generation; he believed that my mom, myself and my sisters were every bit as worthy and intelligent, and had just as much to offer as did my brother. He had a great respect for women.
With the love and encouragement of my dad and my siblings, I was encouraged to not give up, to hold fast to my dreams, to give back and to be respectful of ALL those around me, and to understand it is never too late to enrich your path.
I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve you because of my life experiences. I have been involved in family businesses, and operated two businesses of my own. I spent years in the hospitality, tourism, and service industry. I faced great financial challenges when, after being laid off, I went back to school to fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher. I am a homeowner and I continue to operate a small business of my own.
Being a teacher, I have a deep understanding of the needs of the families and children of our community. I have seen the positive changes that have occurred in both our city and our school district. I am so proud to live here, teach here and serve this community.
I have learned so much since joining the City Council. I am able to see the “BIG PICTURE”, which is something I couldn’t have said before. I understand that it is often difficult to accomplish our goals, so I appreciate the NEVER GIVE UP attitude instilled in me by my family.
Money is tight right now, but we will prevail. We will get through this together, and come out stronger and better than before.
I remember when Niagara Falls was bustling. I realize that many factors worked against us, and I know that it took 50 years to break it down, and we can’t fix it overnight. But if we stay the course, have patience and stick to the plan we will get it done. There will be bumps in the road, sometimes we will take the scenic route, but I believe with all my heart we will get it done. And I would like to continue to work for you, the people of Niagara Falls.
I thank you for your consideration.
