Illuzzi letter

On Tuesday, January 29th, newly elected Erie County Legislator, David Dale (D) opened a satellite office at the Broadway Market, a 110 year old public market which, incidentally, his supporters say he helped save from financial ruin.

Dale’s new Broadway Market office is open on Tuesdays, 9-4, Fridays, 9-5, and, significantly, Saturdays, 9-4. Dale will have another (and main) legislative office on Genesee street in Cheektowaga which is expected to open next week.

Cutting a red ribbon at 11:40 am., Dale termed the Broadway Market a "local icon," and said to the assembled crowd, "All of you remember, we're here for you!"

Dale is widely credited for assuming the leadership role on the Broadway market board, and restoring financial integrity to a market which in recent years was floundering on the verge of bankruptcy.

Dale’s success in stabilizing the market, in spite of severe political infighting, helped bring the 39 year old attorney into local prominence, and was at least one of the factors that led to his election as county legislator over a popular incumbent last November.

Referring to the many people who live and shop in this area who might need county services, Dale said of his new office, "Now they don't have to look for the county. They don't have to go downtown. We're trying to bring the county to them ... and do better than what we did in the past."

Legislator Ray Dusza, City Comptroller Anthony Nanula, and Paul Tokasz sent representatives. A number of community leaders were also in attendance. Local black activist, Darnell Jackson Sr. was among these.

"I think Dale's election is the best thing that happened in our community in a long time," said Jackson. "Look around you ... The Broadway Market has improved since he took over."

Inside Dale's new, but modestly sized office there is both an American and Polish flag.

Joe Chilicki, a Polish translator, said Dale helped him restore a service of providing Polish immigrants with free translation assistance, after he was discharged by Dale's predecessor.

Dorothea Gielinski, who works for Legislator Ray Dusza (D) is another staunch Dale supporter. She stopped just short of calling Dale her "favorite legislator." Gielinski made headlines during the Dale campaign after she alleged that Dale’s opponent openly vilified her, and used profanities while addressing her. She predicted Dale would have an illustrious career.

"He will be one of the best," she said "and as far as his district is concerned, (he will) bring back dignity to his office and this community."

While Dale may not be popular with some of the Republican leadership in Erie County, particularly because of his recent vote against renewing the county’s one percent sales tax without a discussion about sharing it with the city, Dale did enjoy bi -partisan support. (He was formerly a Republican) Rick "Baron " Gattone, the Republican Chairman for the Lovejoy District, was among several Republicans in the audience.

"This is a great day for Buffalo, and, specifically, for the Broadway Market," Gattone enthused, "Dale has made it considerably easier for many of these people, many of whom do not have adequate transportation to get downtown. This is an example of government going to the people."