Ranzenhofer plans to make Senate fiscally responsible
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Ranzenhofer

Erie County Republicans appear to have found the person to fill Sen. Mary Lou Rath's "big shoes" - County Legislator Michael Ranzenhofer.

Since Rath announced her retirement from the 61st District in January, the Republicans have been on the search for their candidate, and on April 10 at the University at Buffalo's Center for Tomorrow Ranzenhofer was named as that person.

Supporters crowded a small conference room where Erie County Executive Chris Collins introduced the new candidate, saying Ranzenhofer is needed in the State Senate to help Collins achieve his financial goals for Erie County.

Collins said his platform is to reform Erie County, rebuild the economy and reduce taxes.

"We need an ally in Albany to achieve these goals," Collins said about Ranzenhofer's track record of pushing for less spending. "I can't think of a better person to step into Sen. Rath's very big shoes than Mike Ranzenhofer."

Ranzenhofer of Amherst has been the legislator for the county's 4th District for the past 20 years. The district encompasses the towns of Clarence and Newstead and includes portions of the towns of Amherst and Cheektowaga.

The 61st Senate District includes part of the City of Tonawanda; the towns of Tonawanda, Amherst, Clarence and Newstead; the villages of Kenmore, Williamsville and Akron in Erie County; and all of Genesee County.

He said he has never voted for a tax increase and maintains that the taxpayers are his number one priority.

"You can be assured that I will carry on the Rath tradition of serving the taxpayers in an open and transparent manner. You can be assured that I will carry the message of Chris Collins to Albany about running state government like a business and will always make decisions by putting the taxpayer first," said Ranzenhofer, surrounded by supporters, including wife Susan.

A self-proclaimed fiscal conservative, Ranzenhofer said the size and cost of state government has to be reduced.

"One of my highest priorities has always been removing the hundreds of thousands of dollars of pork and patronage added to the budget every year," he said about serving in the County Legislature.

He said he has to answer to the state's problems: cut spending, cut taxes and dramatically reform the way Albany does business.

"I stand before you because I believe that whoever attempts to replace Sen. Rath will have some very large shoes to fill," he said.

Rath, who attended the press conference, jokingly looked at her shoes, wondering why everyone kept saying she had big feet.

On Ranzenhofer's decision to run for the seat she held for 15 years Rath said, "Over the years, Mike Ranzenhofer has distinguished himself as a leader dedicated to the same principles that have guided me in the Senate. I'm confident Mike will carry the torch of standing up for taxpayers, not political parties or special interests."

Nick Langworthy, of the Erie County Republican Committee, said a formal endorsement has not been announced and the vote is expected to take place in the next 30 days. He added that Chairman Jim Domagalski strongly supports Ranzenhofer.

At this time, no other Republican has expressed an interest in the position.