In Dunkirk, in what is considered an upset in local politics, Natalie Luczkowiak has defeated incumbent Don Williams for the Democratic Party’s nomination for the Ward 1 seat on the Dunkirk Common Council. Williams, a house hold name in local politics and the former Democratic Party chairman was challenged by a little known city resident who the voters took a liking and sent Williams a message that his type of politics  was no longer acceptable to city resident.

Tuesday’s win gives Luczkowiak two lines on the ballot for the November election, while Williams can still run as a third-party candidate. There is no Republican Party candidate endorsed for the seat.

Days before the primary Luczkowiak sent an open letter to voters indicating why she is running for the first Ward seat and ask voters for their votes. See Below:

Please know I am running for First Ward Council in our City of Dunkirk; and, we have a Democratic primary Tuesday, June 22nd.  As you know, our entire city votes for all of the council positions, and the entire city of registered Democrats will be able to vote in this primary.

Kindly know I want to be your Councilwoman for the right reasons.  I will follow through with each and every question and look forward to visiting with you.  Feel free to approach me, I look forward to talking with you.

I was born and raised in the First Ward of Dunkirk and came back in 2001 when my son was a Junior at the University of Buffalo.  When I arrived home, I remember watching a news segment on one of the local TV stations, about the dying city of Dunkirk.  We are no longer that City thanks to our Mayor and a vision we could pull ourselves up.

I have a three-step program that Dunkirk needs for further success:

An effective Workforce Development Program; Youth Build once again; and awareness and support of the National Infrastructure Bank, which is a bill in Congress currently.

Why this three-step development program?  In order for a business to stay and in order for more business to be brought in, we need quality education, a quality workforce, and quality infrastructure.  This program in conjunction with the Mayor’s ability to bring in funds and new business is a winning combination for economic growth and prosperity.

We are a decent society and we do not want or have the time for big egos, thug-type politics, and grudges in our City government system.  There is too much to be done to raise our level of living here for everyone!