Every Sunday, we'll publish a quick Q&A with someone from the local political world. Instead of touching on the latest in policy issues and proposed legislation, the intent is to catch a glimpse of the person behind the title. The interviews are done via email.
Buffalo Common Council President Richard A. Fontana during a Jan. 24 Council meeting in City Hall. (Derek Gee/Buffalo News)
Richard A. Fontana
The basics
Age: 39
Job title:Buffalo Common Council president, representing Lovejoy district
Family: Wife, two children.
Education: Bachelor's degree in business management from Buffalo State College
Party affiliation: Democrat
Previous work experience: New York State licensed Realtor, restaurateur
City salary: $52,000 + $10,000 stipend as Council president
The questions
What's your favorite restaurant?
Growing up with sauce on Sunday, I always enjoy being able to walk into my brother’s restaurant kitchen (Fontana's Ogden Restaurant on William Street) and dip Luigi’s bakery’s bread in some sauce. But aside from family establishments, I really enjoy going to Wiechec's on Clinton Street in Kaisertown. Also, Scharf's Restaurant in Schiller Park. The service and German food are among the best anywhere.
What music have you been listening to lately?
I’ve always been a Huey Lewis and The News type of guy, but I mix it up with anything playing on the local stations. 103.3 the Edge, 97 Rock, and 104.1 broadcast live from Lovejoy, so I’m partial to them.
What's one thing people don't know about you?
I pitched an idea to Jay Leno through Father Joseph Moreno and he used some of it in his return to the Tonight Show. I suggested a dream sequence in which Jay was dreaming about all the time that elapsed since he left the show, and when he awakes as host again he says, “Boy, that was a bad dream, I’m glad I’m still the host." The show used the dream idea and brought in Betty White to start in the bit.
Who's your political hero?
At the age of 14, I met former Council President Delmar Mitchell at his home In Olean. Within an hour, I knew more about city politics than most people double my age. In his home he had his old City Hall office door with his name on it. The door was replaced with a more constituent-friendly glass door and Delmar was allowed to take the old door. Everyday I walk through the doorway I think about the wisdom he passed along to me regarding city government.
You used to be in the restaurant business. Anything you learned from doing that that’s helped you in your job on the Council?
The full-service restaurant business is one of the toughest businesses to run. Growing up in the business, I learned how to treat customers the way they need to be treated. That type of customer relations transcends well into a Council office. My staff members Bryan and Thomas and I treat residents like customers and never stop short of trying to help them resolve the issue.
Previous editions
Buffalo Common Council: Dave Franczyk, Joe Golombek, David Rivera, Bonnie Russell, Demone Smith
Erie County Legislature: Betty Jean Grant, Thomas Mazur, John Mills
--Aaron Besecker
Follow me on Twitter: @BeseckerBN
tagged
City of Buffalo | Common Council | Five Questions | Rich Fontana
