Rob Nichols announces candidacy for Village of Lewiston trustee

Submitted by Rob Nichols

Friends, neighbors and village residents, I hope you and your families had a wonderful Christmas and, like me, are looking ahead with optimism to the new year. As we do, let’s continue to enjoy the special holiday spirit that makes the Village of Lewiston such a unique and close-knit community.

After much thought and consideration, I have decided to run for trustee in the Village of Lewiston. The timing is right for me and my family, and I view public service as a natural next step following many years of volunteer-based involvement in our community.

For more than two decades, I have remained deeply involved serving locally with the Lewiston Kiwanis Club, the Lewiston Lions Club, coaching youth sports, and several other efforts that are vital to our community. I am proud of the volunteer efforts and projects I’ve helped lead and look forward to continuing my active involvement in these organizations.

I am proud to be running for public office and committed to engaging directly with our community. I will be hosting “Community Ideas and Inspiration” sessions to hear from residents, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and members of the business community. While I have many ideas for Lewiston’s future, it is just as important for me to hear yours.

Unfortunately, the first session, which was scheduled to take place at the Lewiston Public Library, has been canceled because the library board was unable to accommodate my request to use the community room for this topic. As I continue to explore alternative venues for this important civic conversation, I encourage you to reach out to me directly by phone (716-213-3295) or via Facebook. I look forward to connecting with you soon.

Running alongside two highly respected incumbents – Trustee and Deputy Mayor Victor Eydt and Mayor Anne Welch – together, we form a strong and experienced slate committed to continuing the positive momentum in Lewiston.

I am committing to a two-term limit and to serving as a “full-time” trustee, including regularly scheduled public office hours for residents. The betterment of the Village of Lewiston and responsive constituent service will be my top priorities.

I believe my private sector professional background in technology, people and project management, public service, volunteering and mentoring can be a real asset to our beloved village. Four years ago, at age 54, I was fortunate to retire early after a long career in IT security engineering and cybersecurity. Much of my career was spent here in Western New York at a major regional bank, with additional experience in the manufacturing and insurance sectors.

My public-service experience also includes several roles in the office of former Assemblyman John Ceretto, most notably as director of community relations. In this role, I helped secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in state grants for our community for infrastructure improvements.

I respectfully ask for your support for my candidacy for village trustee. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you personally, answer any questions, and hear your thoughts. Your guidance and support would mean a great deal as we work together to keep Lewiston moving forward.