March 25, 2008

Kennedy Announces Reconstruction of Como Park Boulevard

This past weekend, as I enjoyed the Easter Holiday and sat watching a movie with my son Connor, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a quote from one of his favorite movies. Before the action began, and Spiderman started swinging from buildings and saving lives, he was told by his Uncle that, "with great power comes great responsibility." First off, it was wonderful to see a movie geared towards children and young adults teaching such a valuable life lesson. Secondly, I can assure you, I am no superhero; however, much like Spiderman, I do understand that power and responsibility are inherently linked together. This lesson, although simple enough to be included in a children's movie, is often forgotten by many.

As your 2nd district Legislator and the current chair of the Erie County Economic Development Committee, I feel that it is vitally important to understand the relationship between power and responsibility. The Economic Development Committee handles a wide range of topics concerning issues like job creation and general county infrastructure repair. With these issues being some of our most pressing here in the county and in the Town of Cheektowaga, my position as chair of this committee yields a good amount of decision making ability.

As part of the Erie County Legislature, often times my colleagues and I have the power to make great things happen for this community as a result of our responsible decision making. As many of you know, some of the road conditions along Como Park Boulevard are unacceptable and unsafe. Because of this, I considered it my responsibility as chair of the Economic Development Committee to make a change to this roadway as soon as possible. With the help of Legislators Tim Wroblewski, Tom Mazur and Tom Loughran, I have recently approved a roadway reconstruction project which will focus on revitalizing Como Park Boulevard, as well as specific sections of William Street and Dingens Street. Decisions like these are responsible, and the hardworking taxpayers of this community deserve safe roads.

A variety of things will be included in the Como Park Boulevard reconstruction plan. For starters, the project will include full depth pavement reconstruction, which will incorporate new concrete gutters, a closed drainage system, partial water main and sanitary sewer replacements and guide rail and bridge rail upgrades. In addition, the project will also facilitate minor traffic signal adjustments, sign replacements and pavement markings. The reconstruction plan will encompass 1.6 miles of Como Park Boulevard, stretching from Union Road, all the way to Stiglmeier Park. In order to complete this project by October 31st, 2008, an estimated $2.75 million will be allocated. Also, as mentioned previously, the Como Park Boulevard plan will include improvements to William and Dingens Streets. These improvements will repair portions of the concrete sidewalks, fix signing where needed and provide for new pavement markings. All in all, this project, once completed, will greatly benefit the taxpayers of Cheektowaga and the County of Erie.

Power and responsibility, in my opinion, should always be associated with one another. As an elected official in a position of authority, I feel it is my duty to make responsible decisions. I take my job as a representative for the 2nd district very seriously, and I understand that my actions speak louder than any words I could ever utter. Whether it is decisions regarding infrastructure, jobs or even personal conduct, rest assured that as your Legislator I will always do my best to make the responsible decision.

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