HAMBURG, N.Y. — The race for Hamburg town supervisor is on as incumbent Supervisor James Shaw announced he would not seek a second term in 2021. Both of this year’s candidates eagerly await Election Day. 

Stefan Mychajliw is the Republican supervisor candidate. He calls himself the ‘Taxpayers’ Independent Watchdog.’ Prior to entering the Erie County political sphere, Mychajliw was an investigative journalist in Buffalo.

“I built a career holding politicians accountable and I was sick of career politicians just destroying our community, so I decided to actually do something about it and enter the political arena,” he said.

Mychajliw was elected as the Erie County comptroller in 2012 and was elected in 2013 and 2017 for four-year terms. He believes he can do more for the people of Hamburg as town supervisor. 

“Right now, county comptroller serves as an advisory capacity,” he said. “I advise the Legislature and county executive on policy. And here in Hamburg, I’ll be able to set policy.” 

Mychajliw says his experience as Erie County comptroller will allow him to hit the ground running if elected as town supervisor. 

“I won’t need on the job training because I’ve helped manage a $1.6 billion budget, so I can get to work right away serving taxpayers in Hamburg the same way I did in Erie County,” he said.

Mychajliw says the first thing he will do if elected is bring a group of accountants in to do a forensic audit of the books. Only then, Mychajliw says, he will be able to implement his policies, like include cutting taxes. He says by cutting taxes, it will make Hamburg a desirable place to live and therefore increase revenue.

He also promises to implement term limits and to fully fund the police.

“I don’t want Hamburg to turn into downtown Buffalo where the city burned and police were attacked, or even worse, Portland,” Mychajliw said.

Also running for the office of town supervisor is Democratic candidate Randy Hoak.

Hoak comes from a family with a history of public service in Hamburg.

“My father was elected town supervisor in 1993,” he said.

Hoak says watching his father in office helped him prepare for the position himself. 

“I was able to see through his efforts, his work that public service is a sacrifice. Sacrifice that’s essential. That it’s a sacrifice that is certainly worthwhile,” he said. “And I was able to see that he was able to make a difference.” 

He says his father’s life served as an inspiration for his campaign. Hoak says his previous careers also readied him to be town supervisor — from experience with municipal budgeting to leading collaborative regional efforts through his position as commissioner of the Department of Senior Services.

“I went on to AARP, where I focused on advocacy throughout New York state, specifically looking at matters of livability,” Hoak said. “Making communities great places for people of all ages to live.”

A change in culture in town hall, strategic investment in parks and recreation, and the redevelopment of the McKinkley Mall site are key issues for Hoak. 

“The future of retail is certainly changing and I think we need to be proactive in how that property will be used,” he said. “Not just McKinley Mall property itself, but the neighborhood surrounding that property. 

Hoak also promises to fully fund the Hamburg Police department. 

“The town of Hamburg, our community, has a great deal of respect for the men and women that serve in our police department and I pledge to continue that support,” Hoak said.