WHEATFIELD — Niagara County Republicans backed a slate of candidates for county and local offices Thursday, even endorsing a pair of non-Republicans that Party Chairman Scott Kiedrowski said had proven to county Republicans that “they’re the most effective, most qualified candidates for the job.”
County Republicans crossed party lines to endorse District Attorney candidate Caroline Wojtaszek and incumbent Sheriff James R. Voutour, with the roughly 110 Republicans in attendance Thursday voting unanimously to back both. The Niagara County GOP also went on the record with a unanimous endorsement of Buffalo attorney Mary Slisz for state Supreme Court.
“The Republican Party in Niagara County has long won voters’ respect for our commitment to giving the taxpayers the best possible government,” Kiedrowski said, noting Wojtaszek had distinguished herself as both a top prosecutor and a law clerk. “When it comes to issues like law and order, we want the best, even if that person comes to us from outside our own party.”
Wojtaszek, who spent more than a dozen years in the DA’s office, is currently law clerk to County Court Judge Sara Sheldon. During her time as a top prosecutor, Wojtaszek successfully tried and won convictions in several high-profile murder, rape, and sex abuse trials.
Kiedrowski also praised Voutour, noting that since his 2008 election, the Sheriff has routinely worked closely with GOP leaders, including Sen. Robert G. Ortt and county lawmakers, to address community policing concerns, including recent worries about the proliferation of heroin and opioids.
“Caroline Wojtaszek was a successful, effective prosecutor who kept our neighborhoods safe. She’s the kind of tough lawyer we all want in that job, because she’ll fight for victims, and she’ll fight to make sure there are fewer victims by ensuring crime doesn’t pay in Niagara County,” Kiedrowski said. “She’ll have a strong partner in Sheriff Voutour.”
Republicans also gave Slisz, currently a managing partner at LoTempio Law Group, their enthusiastic backing.
“Mary Slisz is an accomplished attorney whose record speaks for itself,” Kiedrowski said, noting that Slisz has practiced law in federal, state, county, family and administrative agencies in New York, with practice areas including personal injury, products liability, medical malpractice, matrimonial and family law, estate planning, administration and probate, corporate and business law. “Mary Slisz is ready to be a judge on Day One.”
“The Republican Party is proud to be supporting the most qualified, effective candidates for these jobs,” Kiedrowski said. “That’s always been our commitment to the voters, and this slate proves it.”
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