A New, Blue Year for Cheektowaga

As we know, our town elected three new board members and reelected another in November, giving Democrats a majority on the Town Board. As chairwoman, I asked Councilmember Monica Elderkin to reflect on her first month in office.

The following message is from Councilmember Elderkin:

“On December 30, 2025, Councilmembers Lewis, Nowicki, Pilarski, and I were sworn into office. We took an oath to support and uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York and pledged to faithfully discharge the duties to which we were elected.

My first month as a councilmember has been busy and energizing. It included three Town Board meetings, introductions to department heads, and reading hundreds of messages from residents. Public engagement has been tremendous, and the issues raised in emails closely reflect what has been voiced during public comment.

The two primary topics have been the Cheektowaga Police Department’s association with ICE and the public hearing regarding the tax cap. I have been conducting extensive reading and research because I believe thorough due diligence is essential when addressing these matters responsibly.

I want every decision I make to be rooted in integrity, thoughtful consideration, and the long-term well-being of our community. While we have no authority over a federal agency such as ICE, we do have municipal home-rule authority as long as our laws remain consistent with the New York State Constitution. I support laws that protect the rights of immigrants and citizens from government overreach.

Regarding the tax cap, the Town Director of Finance has presented information showing that town spending has outpaced revenue in previous years, and we have difficult decisions to make. I support having these discussions as early in the year as possible, which is why I support holding a public hearing.

I also attended training provided by the New York State Association of Towns for newly elected officials in Corning. The nonpartisan program covered municipal liability, fiscal oversight responsibilities, Highway Law, and other important topics. It was a great deal of information to absorb, but it provided a strong foundation for serving effectively.

With much of January consumed by the issues discussed above, my goal in February is to visit more departments, particularly those connected to committees on which I serve. Two of my committees hold monthly meetings, which I will be attending regularly. I have also made it a priority to watch Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings so I can be fully informed should those issues come before the board.

There is no shortage of work to be done, and this board is enthusiastic and ready to do it. I am encouraged by the level of civic engagement we have already seen. We are a better town when public participation is high. We are a safer town when we look out for one another.

This first month has reinforced my belief that public service is a responsibility rooted in trust. Upholding our constitutional values, promoting dialogue, and advocating for the rights of all residents will continue to be my guiding priorities.”

Thank you, Councilmember Elderkin. If you are interested in becoming involved with our committee, please contact us at CheektowagaDemocrats@gmail.com.

— Lynn Dearmyer
Democratic Committee Chair, Cheektowaga