Town of Lewiston supervisor candidates invited to public forum

Recognizing the importance of learning more from the candidates running for Town of Lewiston supervisor – especially when it comes to plans for businesses in the community – the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce’s government affairs committee will host its first Town of Lewiston supervisor open forum. The event will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Lewiston No. 1 Fire Co., 145 N. Sixth St.

This forum will provide an opportunity for the community to hear directly from the candidates about their priorities and vision for Lewiston’s business community.

Incumbent Supervisor Steve Broderick is running on the Conservative Party line. Challenger Edward Lilly secured the Republican Party line with his primary election victory.

Chamber members can submit questions to Upward Niagara Chamber President Amanda Haseley until Sept. 29. Michael Ragusa, chair of the subcommittee, will then compile the submissions and combine them into a series of questions that will be asked to both candidates.

“This event was born out of a request from Chamber members who expressed interest in hearing directly from both candidates about their plans and how those plans may impact local businesses,” Haseley said. “Chamber Board Chair Matt Villnave brought that feedback to me, and from there, the government affairs committee, led by Michael Ragusa, developed the concept for an open, nonpartisan forum.

“The goal of the forum is not to create controversy, but rather to provide a constructive and conversational space for members and residents to engage with the candidates. The format will focus on informative dialogue and issues that matter to the Lewiston business community. Both candidates have agreed to participate, and the Chamber is excited to host.

“This is a public event, open to all Chamber members and local residents. We strongly encourage attendance! This is a great opportunity to hear from the candidates in real time, ask questions, and better understand their visions for the future of the Town of Lewiston.”

Upward Niagara Chamber providing opportunity for supervisor candidates to discuss issues

Guest Editorial by Matt Villnave

Chairman, Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce

As chairman of the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce board, I believe it is important to provide our members with opportunities to hear directly from candidates about issues that impact local businesses and organizations. While businesses and organizations do not cast ballots, the decisions made by elected officials directly affect their ability to grow, thrive, and serve our community. Advocacy on behalf of our members begins with open dialogue, and giving them a chance to ask questions and hear clear answers is an important step forward.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, the candidates for Lewiston town supervisor will participate in a forum hosted by the Chamber. They will answer questions submitted by our members, focusing on the issues that matter most to local businesses and nonprofits. For residents, this is also an important opportunity to hear how local policies and priorities shape the business environment that provides jobs, generates sales tax revenue, and enhances the overall quality of life in our community.

I want to thank the candidates for their willingness to take part in this forum. By doing so, they are contributing to a process of openness and accountability that benefits not only Chamber members but the entire community. This is the start of a process that I expect will continue to grow and improve with future forums. My vision is that this becomes an ongoing practice, whether through forums like this one or other formats, so that future candidates at every level have the chance to speak directly to the business community and the residents they serve.

One of the frustrations I hear most often from our members is that opportunities for meaningful participation in local government decisions are too limited. Local businesses, much like residents, want to contribute their perspective so that decision-makers understand how policies affect them. By creating spaces for dialogue, we foster stronger partnerships between business, government, and the community. When these partnerships are built, everyone benefits.

Local businesses do more than provide jobs and generate revenue. They are also partners in community events, supporters of local causes, and essential contributors to the character of our towns. As we continue to build on this first step, I am hopeful that, together, we can strengthen the ties between business leaders, elected officials, and residents to create a shared vision for prosperity in Lewiston and across the region.

I would also like to thank our Chamber president, Amanda Haseley, and our government affairs committee for organizing this forum; and Chamber member Michael Ragusa for volunteering to host the event. The forum will take place at Lewiston No. 1 Fire Co. at 6 p.m. on Oct. 1.