A member of the Dunkirk Common Council says she is wondering why Mayor Kate Wdowiasz is "showing such indignation and resentment" towards the council. First Ward Councilman Natalie Luczkowiak e-mailed a statement to WDOE News on Thursday in response to Wdowiasz's decision to hold her own meetings and no longer attend council meetings. The Mayor has been critical of city lawmakers over what she believes is a lack of action over issues that are important to the city.
The following is Luczkowiak's full statement:
It is not unusual for legislation of the federal, state, or any municipality to move a bill, law, or resolution back and forth. It is our representative government, called democracy. And also, it goes through other committees during this process, such as the Federal Congressional Business Office or our Finance Committee meeting, in order to see if it is affordable.
We do agree with most of the resolutions that are put forth, even walk-ins. However, sometimes we must postpone for further discussion and compromise; never have we given a hard no. In a democracy, you win some, you lose some, and then there is compromise. Some real experience in the operations of government can be crucial before one takes a position such as mayor.
So, I cannot help but wonder why she is showing such indignation and resentment towards the Council. Perhaps a deflection from her own actions or what she feels people might be perceiving? Misrepresenting our position to make it easier to attack, such as it's our fault because we had questions and wanted some changes? I believe she responds to criticism by accusing others.
We are assets, not threats, to her and the city.
Photo by Greg Larson
