Falls City Council GOP members split on re-election decisions

Yahoo

23-02-2025

One will seek re-election. One will be leaving
The two current Republican members of the Niagara Falls City Council have chosen different directions forward in their political careers.
In early January, first-term Council Members David Zajac (R) and Traci Bax (R) had said that they were 'weighing their options' on whether to seek second terms. Now, it appears that Zajac will seek another 4-year term on the council, while Bax will retire.
Candidates for offices on the ballot for the 2025 general election in November, will be eligible to 'pull petitions' from the Niagara County Board of Elections on Tuesday. The petitions are used to gather voter signatures to qualify candidates for a spot on the official election ballot.
Both Bax and Zajac had hinted that they would wait until just before the date to begin gathering signatures to make final re-election decisions.
Bax had told Niagara Falls Republican Party Chair John Sczepczenski in January that she 'would not be running, at this time. However, Bax also said, at that time, 'I could reconsider.'
But Bax told the Gazette on Thursday night that her personal work obligations have created challenges to remaining on the council.
Bax works in the travel industry, serving as a consultant who helps independent travel agency owners optimize their businesses. She has said her job, with a Toronto-based company, requires a large amount of travel around the United States and Canada.
'It really truly does come down to my travel schedule and missing meetings,' Bax said. 'It's a lot to balance.'
The council member said an increasing level of controversy and acrimony at city council meetings played no role in her decision.
'I'm really, really going to miss (the council),' Bax said. 'I liked being involved and trying to make the best decisions for our city.'
In early January, Zajac indicated that he was 'leaning' toward a re-election bid. He said he would make a public announcement when he reached a final decision.
Earlier this week, Sczepczenski released an announcement that said Zajac had been endorsed by the local GOP for a second term. The council member said his party 'jumped the gun' on his plans.
'I sat down and had a conversation with my family, because you know they are in this with me,' Zajac said. 'The question for me was, 'Is the city moving in the right direction?' and I believe the answer is, 'Yes.''
Zajac also said that having been a part of some of the new initiatives aimed at revitalizing the city, he is 'hoping to be around for their completion.'