Spoth plans run for County Legislature
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Francina Spoth

When Dr. Barry Weinstein, 15th District legislator for Erie County, announced he would not be seeking another term, he recommended two possible successors - Edward Rath III and Francina Spoth.

Rath, who had previously announced his intentions to run, is now joined by Spoth, who said she will also seek the seat.

Spoth is a member of the Williamsville Central School District's Board of Education.

"I strongly believe in the future of our area ... for our children and for a strong economy," she said about her decision to run.

The Erie County Republican Committee is expected to make its endorsement decision for the 15th District on Saturday.

When she ran for the Board of Education seat in 2005 she tallied the most votes; now in her second year on the board she volunteers on the district's audit committee.

"We need to have more jobs in the area, more business. I have strong fiscal responsibility from the work that I have in business," she said, adding that she also has experience handling a budget through the district, which is $139 million.

With a master's degree in social work from the University at Buffalo, Spoth was the director of the HANCI Adult Day Care and Intergenerational Centers for 10 years.

A lifelong resident of Amherst, Spoth has dedicated years to public service including advocating for senior and youth programs. She has experience in grant writing and securing local, state and federal grants that have been used to create jobs and programs for Western New York.

Spoth has helped fundraise for Erie and Niagara counties' adult day care centers, Cub Scout and Boy Scout groups, and Health Association of Niagara County Inc.'s intergenerational programs. Currently, she is raising funds to start a Challenger Learning Center in the region.

She is also a past president of Heim Middle School's Parent Teacher Student Association and continues to stay involved with fundraisers and activities.

In a statement announcing her intentions to run for the Legislature, Spoth said, "Elected officials need to be more aggressive in bringing back our fair share of tax dollars, be accountable for fiscal management of the budget and be responsible for their voting record."

In addition to creating jobs, Spoth said she plans to build strong partnerships with state and federal officials to eliminate unfunded mandates that increase property taxes.

Spoth, a 25-year member of the Republican Committee, is married to Michael, and they have a son. She said she plans to seek the endorsement of the Independence and Conservative committees.