Matters of Opinion

The Buffalo News recently conducted endorsement interviews with Common Council candidates. We have edited 30-minute interviews into short clips to give voters and those living outside the district a glimpse into the candidates' viewpoints on why they should either be re-elected or seated for the first time.

All but one of the candidates, Rochelle A. Ricchiazzi in the University district, who did not respond to numerous requests by The News, is shown.  We also offer our endorsement editorial for more information.  Overall, it is important that voters go to the polls on a primary day that is expected to draw a low turnout.  It would be nice to be proven wrong.

Dawn Marie Bracely/Editorial Writer

University District

Incumbent Bonnie E. Russell

Challenger Pamela D. Cahill

North District

Joseph Golombek Jr.

Challenger Kenneth J. Phillips

Fillmore District

Incumbent David A. Franczyk

Challenger Samuel A. Herbert

Masten District

Incumbent Demone A. Smith

DeMario J. Badger

When it comes to our former editorial page editor, Mike Vogel, none of us really knows where to start. He was, is and always will be a friend, first and foremost.  
 

As many readers have learneded through News Editor Margaret Sullivan's recent Sunday column, Mike has retired. His departure coincides with that of several colleagues, all of whom will be missed in the newsroom.

For those of us here among the nameless and faceless in the opinions department, Mike will be especially missed. He brought the highest level of professionalism to the job and, more important, he brought his sense of humanity. We strive to live up to the journalistic legacy he's created.

Part of that history can be found in the Viewpoints cover piece in today's Buffalo News, in which he gives a fascinating account of his sometimes adventurous career. Mike's writing, just like the man, is always a pleasure.

We expect readers will get as much enjoyment from hearing what our friend has to say as we did.

Thanks, Mike!

Primary election day is coming up on Sept. 13 and The News has chosen to take a look at the four of nine council seats up for grabs. Council seats go up for bid every four years and although this race seemed far from an attention-grabber once the Fillmore District contestants were decided, this election is going to determine how the next several years go in the city. Good or bad. Progress or no progress.  The nine-member body is pivotal in determining the future of the City of Buffalo.

For that reason, we're a little disappointed that not all incumbents were challenged or that those who sought office, in some cases, seemed ill prepared. However, no one should be discouraged. There are a couple of potential stars among the challengers and they should be encouraged to try again. Overall, whether challenger or incumbent, all should continue to work for the good of the city.

The recent reapportionment is one of the key topics that has come up during this campaign and we encourage readers to check out the Erie County Board of Elections for guidance. Also, check out this live blog hosted by The News.

No matter where you live, city, town or village, vote on Primary Day.

--Dawn Marie Bracely/Editorial Writer