Willow Ridge Association vice president plans run for town board
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Foladare

Known for fighting to preserve the way of life in Willow Ridge, Robert Foladare has chosen to battle for a seat on the Amherst Town Board.

Endorsed by the Independence and Democratic parties, Foladare said his main platform is addressing development concerns.

"Take back control of our town from the developers and return it to the homeowners," he said about the issue.

Serving as vice president of the Willow Ridge Civic Association, Foladare, a resident for 46 years, has been a citizens' voice in regards to many proposed projects in that area.

He is also president and a coach for the Parkview Basketball League and former president of Sweet Home Jr. Panthers Football and Cheerleading organization.

His work in youth sports has led him to speak with Chief John C. Askey about starting a Police Athletic League program for Amherst youth.

"I feel that this would be a proactive way of dealing with possible crimes committed by 'bored' children," Foladare said.

As an overview he would like to see more invested in inexpensive youth programs to provide quality time to help lower income families.

Foladare has attended most Town Board meetings for the past several years, as well as development meetings in the community.

"After watching board after board allow developers to overrun our town with project after project with no concern for existing homeowners or whether these projects fit within the framework of the areas they are put in as well as UB's efforts to urbanize our town has made me decide to get more involved," he said about his decision to run.

Describing Amherst government as dysfunctional, Foladare wants a seat to ensure representation of the residents of areas currently eyed for development, such as west of Millersport Highway, Interstate-990 and Interstate-290.

He added that while he is not against development, he is against indiscriminate development.

"I believe that any new development should fit with what is already there," he said.

A first time candidate, Foladare said, "Not only have I never sought election to anything, I have not even worked on anybody elses campaign. The only reason that I am running is because I feel that I can help my community by bringing a little common sense and the art of compromise to the table."

Three seats will be up for election in November - council members Bill Kindel, Michael McGuire and William A. O'Loughlin Jr. Only Kindel will be seeking re-election.

The list of candidates will be available mid-August according to the Erie County Board of Elections.