DUNKIRK, N.Y. - By a vote of 14 to 10, the City of Dunkirk's Democratic Committee recently endorsed councilman Willie Rosas for mayor over incumbent AJ Dolce.
"I believe they like his leadership style, his ideas. He's a good person for the city and I think he'll do a great job," said Ned Divine, Dunkirk Democratic Committee Chairman.
"I'm excited about it. It's very uncommon for an incumbent mayor to not receive that endorsement and obviously it speaks loudly that the committee as well as the public out there are not happy with that's going on here in the city of Dunkirk," said Willie Rosas, D-mayoral candidate.
Rosas is a former state trooper who was appointed to fill a vacant council at large seat last September, and ran opposed for the spot two months later. He says he wants to hire qualified workers in key positions, spur more business growth, and create jobs.
"I think it important both for tourism and also for the community residents to enjoy a better city," said Rosas.
"I'm obviously disappointed you know, I've worked extremely hard. Being in politics for 12 years now, nothing really surprises me," said Mayor Dolce, D-Dunkirk.
Dolce is wrapping up his first four-year term in office, a term he describes as full of financial successes and challenges. He says he wants to build on improving the city's infrastructure and create more economic development.
"We really look to improve the quality of life for our residents, investing in our parks and really making things grow in the city of Dunkirk," said Dolce.
The two will now have to find a way to work together before squaring off in a September primary.
"I'm sure it'll be challenging in some spots. As long as the focus can remain on good government and remembering why we're here, that's to serve the public," said Dolce.
"I intend to work with him for the rest of my time as the councilman at large so I really don't think it's going to be a problem," said Rosas.
There are about 4,000 registered Democratic voters in the city.