Williamsville election packets available
Two of three School Board incumbents will run
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Williamsville School Board President Romona Popowich and Board Member Carolyn Giambra announced at the March 13 meeting that they will run for re-election in May.

However, Khalid Qazi said that after 10 years on the board he has decided not to seek re-election.

"It is time for someone else to take this seat," Qazi said of his tenure.

Popowich will be seeking her third term after winning a seat in 2001 against 10 candidates and then being elected again in 2004.

"I want to be part of moving the district forward, staying ahead of the curve," she said. "I have three children that benefited from the outstanding education here, and I want to ensure the next generation of children have the same opportunity that my kids did."

Her focal points during the campaign will be creating a budget that strikes a balance the community can support and to continue her efforts at the state level to prohibit new mandates without additional aid.

Giambra did not respond to requests for comment.

Campaigning season began on March 14, with election packets available in the district office at 105 Casey Road. Candidates must return their petitions, with 66 signatures, to the district office by 5 p.m. Monday, April 16.

Information and petition forms are also available at www. williamsvillek12. org.

Three seats on the nine-member School Board are open at each election. Board members serve for three years.

This year's annual candidates night will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3 in the district office boardroom, 105 Casey Road.

Each candidate will be given an opportunity to state his or her qualifications and reasons for running for the board. This will be followed by a question and answer period. Questions will be written on cards handed out at the meeting.

A moderator from the Clarence Unit of the League of Women Voters will read the questions. Each candidate will be allowed to answer each question. There will be a summation by each candidate at the conclusion of the program.

Candidates need to note that no literature on their behalf can be handed out at the forum. Also, no statements or presentations can be read by someone in the candidate's absence.

This year's vote will take place on Tuesday, May 15.

For information call District Clerk Mitzie Serafin at 626-8092.