DePalma announces run for Niagara Falls Council

Feb. 21--NIAGARA FALLS -- Danielle N. DePalma, secretary of the Niagara Falls Democratic Committee, announced Tuesday she will run for one of three City Council seats available in this fall's election.

DePalma said she intends to resign her party position to make her first run for elective office, seeking the Democratic and Working Families nominations.

DePalma, 33, is a health navigator at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, where she helps patients evaluate health insurance options. She is a former business owner and substitute teacher in the Niagara-Wheatfield district, and holds a bachelor's degree in education from SUNY-Buffalo State. DePalma also is active with several community organizations.

"Clearly, doing a better job keeping spending in line, working towards equalizing the homestead and non-homestead tax rates, and getting health care costs in line, which I have experience in, are some of the biggest issues I will work on as a councilwoman," DePalma said. "I truly believe the city has begun to turn the corner, but it is very important that we continue to grow our tax base, and only through strong economic development efforts, working with our partners in county and state government, and controlling spending will we make the City of Niagara Falls not just what it was in the past, but a much better city in the future."

DePalma has been with Niagara Falls Memorial working in the Navigation Program since 2016. She also sits on the LIVE NF Board of Directors, serves as a member of the Resident Engagement Council and volunteers for the Niagara Falls Beautification Committee. .

"Without a doubt, the biggest challenge that faces our entire region is economic development. As a local elected official, I will provide true leadership and hopefully helpbuild a bridge towards working with city, county, state and most importantly private developers looking to grow our city.

DePalma,33 is married to Stephen DePalma of Niagara Falls and has two children.

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