Two political newcomers, each supported by rival factions within the local Democratic party, will battle it out in Tuesday’s primary in hopes of becoming the successor to 8th District Erie County Legislator Terrence McCracken, a fellow Democrat who declined to run for re-election.
Wynnie L. Fisher of Alden is the pick of leaders at local Democratic headquarters, while Wesley S. Moore of Lancaster is being supported by a faction aligned with Cheektowaga Democratic Chairman Frank C. Max Jr.
The winner will face off in the Nov. 5 general election against Republican Ted B. Morton of Depew, and possibly Sean M. Nowicki of Alden, who will challenge Morton for a spot on the Independence Party line in Tuesday’s primary.
The district includes the eastern portion of Cheektowaga plus Lancaster and Alden.
Both Fisher, a SUNY Buffalo State administrator, and Moore, who works in financial services, have sought to rise above the usual political rancor. Moore did contact The News to criticize a recent mailer that links him to former Erie County Democratic Chairman Steve Pigeon. Moore, 36, said he had met Pigeon only twice and has no allegiance to him.
Attempts to reach Moore later in the week were unsuccessful.
Despite having served as Alden Democratic Party chairwoman for two years, Fisher, 45, said she does not otherwise have a background in local politics.
“I’ve always encouraged my students to get involved and to be good civic citizens. I’ve talked the talk, now I’m walking the walk,” Fisher said.
A former public school teacher in the City of Tonawanda, Fisher now helps to place college students in early preservice field work as classroom observers and tutors in preparation for future teaching careers.
“A lot of them are not voting,” she said of her students.
“They don’t trust our government. They don’t believe in our government ... Our country is too young for that to happen,” Fisher added.
She said the 8th Legislative District is diverse in terms of its mix of suburban and rural residents.
“Alden has a lot of open farmland. There are people here who are still on well water, which is very different than in South Cheektowaga,” Fisher said.
She said Alden residents are concerned about the plans for the property on which the vacant former County Home now sits after the county home was moved to Erie County Medical Center campus. Residents do not want to see the structure lie fallow for years, Fisher said. “We can all work together. I want the government to work for all of us,” she added.
email: hmcneil@buffnews.com
Wynnie L. Fisher of Alden is the pick of leaders at local Democratic headquarters, while Wesley S. Moore of Lancaster is being supported by a faction aligned with Cheektowaga Democratic Chairman Frank C. Max Jr.
The winner will face off in the Nov. 5 general election against Republican Ted B. Morton of Depew, and possibly Sean M. Nowicki of Alden, who will challenge Morton for a spot on the Independence Party line in Tuesday’s primary.
The district includes the eastern portion of Cheektowaga plus Lancaster and Alden.
Both Fisher, a SUNY Buffalo State administrator, and Moore, who works in financial services, have sought to rise above the usual political rancor. Moore did contact The News to criticize a recent mailer that links him to former Erie County Democratic Chairman Steve Pigeon. Moore, 36, said he had met Pigeon only twice and has no allegiance to him.
Attempts to reach Moore later in the week were unsuccessful.
Despite having served as Alden Democratic Party chairwoman for two years, Fisher, 45, said she does not otherwise have a background in local politics.
“I’ve always encouraged my students to get involved and to be good civic citizens. I’ve talked the talk, now I’m walking the walk,” Fisher said.
A former public school teacher in the City of Tonawanda, Fisher now helps to place college students in early preservice field work as classroom observers and tutors in preparation for future teaching careers.
“A lot of them are not voting,” she said of her students.
“They don’t trust our government. They don’t believe in our government ... Our country is too young for that to happen,” Fisher added.
She said the 8th Legislative District is diverse in terms of its mix of suburban and rural residents.
“Alden has a lot of open farmland. There are people here who are still on well water, which is very different than in South Cheektowaga,” Fisher said.
She said Alden residents are concerned about the plans for the property on which the vacant former County Home now sits after the county home was moved to Erie County Medical Center campus. Residents do not want to see the structure lie fallow for years, Fisher said. “We can all work together. I want the government to work for all of us,” she added.
email: hmcneil@buffnews.com