Cheektowaga Democratic Committee Chair Lynn Dearmyer highlighted three races that will appear on local ballots on Election Day, Nov. 3.
New York State Assembly
Dearmyer described Ryan Taughrin as a South Cheektowaga native who began working at age 15, became the first member of his family to graduate from college and is raising his children in Lancaster.
The committee criticized Pat Chludzinski’s positions on utility costs, including his opposition to eliminating a charge that required gas customers to help pay for service lines to new homes. It also criticized his vote against pausing AI data centers that could affect the energy grid and utility prices.
According to Dearmyer, Taughrin supports the full NY HEAT Act and wants to reduce utility, health care, prescription drug, child care and property tax costs. He also wants legislation regulating how private companies may use data collected by license plate cameras.
Erie County clerk
Democratic challenger Steve Meyer is running against Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns. Meyer is a Williamsville village trustee, small-business owner, husband and father.
Dearmyer said Meyer has focused his campaign on accountability, modernization, transparency and restoring public trust in the clerk’s office.
The committee pointed to former Deputy Clerk Alexander McDougall, who it said stole more than $320,000 in taxpayer money, and another former staff member who pleaded guilty to illegally issuing a fake pistol permit. Meyer characterized the incidents by saying, “One crime is a scandal. Two crimes are a pattern.”
Dearmyer also criticized Kearns for claiming to be a Democrat while repeatedly running with MAGA Republicans, contrasting that with Meyer’s campaign as a Democrat.
Erie County Legislature District 8
Sara Marmion, a mother, nurse and community advocate, is running for the Erie County Legislature in District 8.
According to the committee, Marmion became an advocate after experiencing difficulty obtaining services her sons needed and learning that other families faced similar frustrations. She decided to run after becoming dissatisfied with elected officials whom she believed had lost touch with the people they served.
Marmion’s campaign emphasizes listening to residents, supporting families and putting the community first. Dearmyer said Marmion seeks to bring compassion, accountability and an independent voice to county government.
Those interested in the campaigns or the Cheektowaga Democratic Committee may contact Dearmyer at cheektowagademocrats@gmail.com.
