Markel seeks return to Cheektowaga Town Board
By Janice Habuda, The Buffalo News, N.Y. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
The former councilman, who was midway through his second term, left office in April after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to unemployment insurance fraud. Under the state's Public Officers Law, once an elected official enters a guilty plea, the office is considered vacant because it involves a violation of the oath of office.
Markel was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge and repaid
He said his thoughts about running again became action after an outpouring of public support.
"Probably close to 2,000 people asked me to run," Markel said.
"Let the voters decide," he added.
His attempted comeback will include a three-way Democratic primary in September, when he will face
Adamczyk, a member of the
This year's race is only to fill the vacancy. A full, four-year term would be on the ballot in 2015.
Markel said he has braced his wife and daughter for a nasty campaign, although he intends to remain positive. "I said, 'Can you guys take it?' "
He thinks voters know better. "Negative campaigns maybe worked years ago," he said.
Originally charged with a felony count of offering a false instrument for filing, Markel and his attorney have said there were numerous attempts to clarify his town status with the state
A town prosecutor who wrote a letter to the editor praising Markel's public service and criticizing the "overzealous" pursuit by the
"It feels horrible," Markel said. "I don't want to see anybody lose a job over me."
Markel said he's been working in construction and taking an online course in real estate.
Supporters obtained the required 500 signatures for his candidacy petitions well in advance of last month's filing deadline, Markel said.
"The first day I went out, I was a little scared," he admitted. The reaction from residents, he said, has been "all positive."
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