May 14, 2009

KOZUB URGES LACKAWANNA CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE RENAMING RIDGE ROAD "FATHER BAKER BOULEVARD"

Erie County Legislator Daniel M. Kozub (D-Lackawanna, Hamburg, Buffalo) announced that the Erie County Legislature unanimously approved a resolution he sponsored to honor Father Nelson H. Baker by renaming Ridge Road "Father Baker Boulevard." Kozub believes the time is right to honor Father Baker in 2009 as Lackawanna celebrates its centennial.

"Momentum is building to pay tribute to Father Baker in a fitting way, given his many contributions to our community," Legislator Kozub said. "The West Seneca Town Board has unanimously approved a similar resolution, and Rev. Msgr. Paul J. E. Burkard, Administrator of Our Lady of Victory Institutions, sent a communication to the Erie County Legislature endorsing the renaming of Ridge Road."

According to Msgr. Burkard, "We feel that this is also a well-planned proposal for the region as Father Baker's anticipated beatification and canonization will substantially increase the numbers of visitors to the region. Therefore, the way-finding benefits would be significant."

Legislator Kozub is concerned that the final government entity which needs to express its support, the City of Lackawanna Council, may have received erroneous legal advice and, due to misinformation, tabled a resolution to honor Father Baker that was sponsored by Councilman Geoffrey Szymanski instead of approving the renaming.

"Given the location of Our Lady of Victory Basilica, the Father Baker Boulevard initiative would bring the greatest benefit to the residents and businesses of Lackawanna," Legislator Kozub said. "I will do all I can to clear up any misconceptions some members of the Lackawanna City Council may have about this important tribute to Father Baker so that our community can move forward and celebrate Lackawanna's Centennial in a demonstrative way."

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