Two people are on the ballot for Cheektowaga town supervisor this election.

Democrat Brian Nowak faces Republican Michael Jasinski.

Incumbent and Democrat Diane Benczkowski is not seeking re-election.

Nowak, a current town councilmember and volunteer firefighter with Pine Hill Fire District, says he prioritizes investments in youth and senior services, parks and town development

“We've got to think about redevelopment, you know, making sure that our building and planning departments are adequately staffed to be proactive and looking at all the empty storefronts we have, and the kind of business that we're bringing in to help shore that up," Nowak said.

He also believes in restructuring the town’s tax system.

“The housing market has been the fastest growing in terms of valuations in the last 40 years,” said Nowak. “So we've got a lot of folks that have seen their property tax bills increase because of those kind of things.”

A construction worker of 35 years and current councilmember Michael Jasinski also brought up senior and youth services as well as taxes.

“The city and town that I love that my children were born and raised in is not trending in the right direction," Jasinski said. "And I felt it was my calling to get involved because it's just a shame.”

He also believes in improving mental health and addiction resources for youth.

“We've got a serious problem with this mental health and drug addiction with our children,” said Jasinski. “We're losing a generation to it.”

The two have clashed in the past.

Over the summer, Jasinski filed a resolution to censure Nowak, claiming Nowak made a bribe to the tune of $400,000 relating to the highway superintendent job.

After a review by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, DA John Flynn said he found no evidence of criminal conduct.

Jasinski also found himself in hot water after defending a fellow councilmember flying a confederate flag outside their home.

“Looking ahead, here is what they say day one on the job would look like:
I'd roll up my sleeves, I'd get to work on talking to the department heads about the vision, goals and expectations that I have to move this town in the right direction,” Jasinski said.

“Day one would look like a lot of listening and meeting with people," Nowak said. "It's just a matter of making sure critical meetings are happening on the first day.”

Early voting begins Oct. 28 and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.