Petko Announces His Candidacy

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun. 11, 2009 - Democrat Albert W. Petko is announcing his candidacy for the Town of West Seneca Highway Superintendent for the 2009 election. Over the past year, Petko has been a community activist for Kevin Gaughn’s downsizing of the town board in West Seneca. He has had face-to-face conversations with more than 800 West Seneca residents about their ideas and concerns. "I'm not running to be the establishment insider or to represent the social elite of West Seneca," Petko said.

Petko pledges that if he is elected, he will set an example for all elected officials by reducing the annual salary, not accepting the 100% paid health care that is offered, and not accepting the town provided vehicle and cell phone.  

Al Petko also pledges to open up future employment positions by posting on the Town’s Web Site.  “I’m going to eliminate the patronage hiring that has become synonymous with the town of West Seneca, and we will follow the guidelines from Erie County and New York State in hiring practices,” Petko said.

"West Seneca voters will have a clear choice between the political appointee — which is business as usual for the town — or a chance for change and new leadership," Petko said.  “We need to start running the departments in our town like a business,” Petko added.

The Highway Department is one of the largest portions of the town’s budget. “One of my primary goals is to reduce the highway budget between 5-10% for 2010,” Petko said. Reducing cost and eliminating unnecessary overtime will be the first steps in reducing taxes in West Seneca.

Petko and his wife, Cynthia has lived in West Seneca for 25 years. He has three grown children.  A Marquette University graduate, Petko is currently employed as Retail Manager.