A Tonawanda Town Board member and a North Tonawanda alderman are vying to replace Assemblyman Robin L. Schimminger, the Kenmore Democrat retiring after 44 years in office.
Republican Robert Pecoraro
For North Tonawanda Republican Robert Pecoraro, it's a rare opening for the GOP to win the 140th Assembly district. But Town of Tonawanda Democrat William C. Conrad III hopes to keep the seat in his party's hands.
Democrat William Conrad.
The largely Democratic district includes the Town and City of Tonawanda, Village of Kenmore and parts of North Buffalo and North Tonawanda. Schimminger faced little serious opposition over the years after first winning the seat in 1976.
Pecoraro has a financial advantage going into the general election with $22,398 on hand, according to the latest report filed with the state Elections Board. Conrad has $12,726 remaining, after starting the most recent fundraising period with just $35 on hand.
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Conrad spent a significant sum to fend off a Democratic primary challenge from attorney Kevin T. Stocker. Both men also have had to adjust to a Covid-19 campaign without the typical, in-person contact with constituents.
Conrad, 42, has taught social studies at Kenmore West High School for 20 years. He was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Tonawanda Town Board in 2016, won a special election later that year and a full, four-year term in 2017.
Conrad has made environmental issues a focal point, raising concerns about emissions from the Amigone Funeral Home crematory and seeking the cleanup and reuse of the toxic former Tonawanda Coke site. And he's helping to lead the debate over the future of the town's money-losing Aquatic and Fitness Center.
"I'm just doing my job, and that's the best way I'm going to reach anybody," Conrad said.
His opponent, Pecoraro, has served on the North Tonawanda Common Council since 2014, first through an appointment and later winning two elections for the seat. The 62-year-old retired after more than 30 years in the Air Force, rising to the rank of colonel.
Pecoraro has emphasized the need to rebuild Western New York's roads and bridges and has criticized coronavirus regulations imposed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo that he believes have devastated small businesses in the region, including North Tonawanda's Riviera Theatre.
Pecoraro is running on a law-and-order platform, saying he opposed the bail reform measure passed by the State Legislature and signed by Cuomo.
"I think that's where we are at odds on a big issue," said Pecoraro.
Conrad, for his part, said the original version of the law needed adjusting to make sure dangerous criminals aren't released.
Both men said judges need more discretion in granting bail and both said they oppose efforts to defund the police.
In addition, Anthony K. Baney, a former student of Conrad's, is the Green Party candidate for the seat. His campaign platform focuses on legalizing marijuana and providing more funding to public schools.
