Schad wants second chance at Town Board
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Jerr y Schad

Jerry Schad will make another run for a seat on the Amherst Town Board.

Being defeated in 2005 and with no open seats in 2006, Schad said he wants another opportunity to gain a board seat in November 2007.

"I'm going to try and get my message out more … canvassing again," Schad said during his press conference on Monday. "People get a sense of who you are, and that makes a difference in the election."

Two years after his first campaign, the former attorney said the same issues are still plaguing the Town Board.

"I see a lot of self-promotion on the Town Board," he said, adding that the same operating dysfunctions are a problem.

He announced his candidacy from the Buffalo Harley Davidson showroom on Bailey Avenue to demonstrate the common goals he has with most town residents.

"As a Harley rider, I share a common bond and common interest with people from all walks of life and all political affiliations who enjoy the Harley experience," he said. "As a concerned Amherst taxpayer, I share a common interest with you to make a better Amherst."

He cited four items as the fundamentals that he would focus on for the town - infrastructure, public safety, taxpayer input on public services and professionalism and productivity.

In his announcement speech, he said, "I will keep public safety as a high priority so that Amherst continues to enjoy a reputation as one of the safest cities in America."

Working with residents will be a priority, Schad said, including to identify the services residents want and to provide those services in a cost-effective manner.

Gathering resident input is not currently addressed in the town.

Schad said if elected, he would initiate a four-month program of public hearings on town services. He said the purpose would identify what the taxpayers want provided to them.

"When politicians try to reduce the town budget by taking a hatchet to a budget, without knowing what services their constituents want, it creates division, dissension and distrust," he said in his speech. "When we first find out what residents and taxpayers want, we can slim down the budget and be proud of the end product."

He also plans to support a program that is currently being addressed by the board - protecting Amherst's green space by establishing a fund to acquire land to ensure that the town has adequate public green space.

Dealing with unpopular issues, such as the infrastructure problems, is something Schad said he is prepared to do.

"I will focus on the infrastructure issue … it's a big deal. If we don't have services … that's a major problem," he said.

Schad, who retired from Hodgson Russ LLP in 2005, works as a certified New York State hearing officer.

He said he is planning to seek the Democratic endorsement and make an effort to gain the support of the minor parties - Independence, Working Families and Conservative.

In 2005 he ran on the Democratic and Working Families lines.