East Aurora Advertiser

Elma Supervisor Will Not Seek Reelection



One way or another, someone new will be sitting in the supervisor’s chair in the Town of Elma next January.

Supervisor Dennis Powers has said that he will not seek reelection to his post. He will finish out the final ten months of his term. A variety of factors led to the decision, from the time he has already served on the town board to decisions made for the upcoming primary season.

“I’m stepping back. There are things I want to do with my family while I still can,” he said. “It’s time to pass the baton.”

Supervisor Dennis Powers

Powers has been on the Elma Town Board for 20 years. He first served as a councilman for 11 and a half years and the rest as supervisor. He also noted the 15 years prior to his government service, when he was a volunteer for different community organizations, something he will continue in some way or another going forward. But he is planning to spend more time with family.

Changes made at the state level regarding primaries and a decision made by the Elma Republican Committee also had an impact on his decision. The state made local primaries take place earlier in the year. Instead of September it is now June 25. That means potential candidates have to gather signed petitions sooner. Those are now due in April versus July.

Powers would have had to go through a primary this year if he wanted to appear on the Republican party line. The Elma Republican Committee has nominated Highway Superintendent Wayne Clark to be the next town supervisor. Powers said he was offered the Conservative party nomination, but turned it down when he decided this would be his last term in office.

Powers was asked whether he would be supporting Clark in his efforts to run for supervisor. He said that was a tough question for him.

“[The Elma Republican Committee] chose to do that. That’s their choice,” he said. “I’m not going to make it difficult for him, but I’m not going to mentor him.”

Elma Highway Superintendent Wayne Clark

Another factor in his decision to step down was the “current political climate.” He felt there was too much divisiveness between parties and not enough effort to work together on matters. He sees it mainly at the federal and state level, but thinks it is on its way for the local town level, too.

While talking about his decision to finish out his term, he highlighted his past work and said he will miss working with the residents of the community.

Powers has been involved with EMW sports, the EMW Boys and Girls Club and was part of the Iroquois Central booster club that helped raise funds for athletic teams during budget problems many years back.

He has also been a longtime member of ITAC, a coalition that works to educate the community about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. He said he would stay and support that group after he leaves office.

While serving on the town board, Powers has been part of the new town hall construction, the ongoing new highway garage construction and the merger of the Tri-Town Recreation Department into the local boys and girls club.

He has also served on a number of government associations for the town board. He was vice president of the Association of Towns and a past president for the Association of Erie County Governments.

“I am extremely proud of the many accomplishments I have achieved and the numerous organizations I have been involved with,” he said.

He said he will continue on in his current term and will keep working at the ongoing projects on his desk.

“I have 10 months left and I will not be a lame duck supervisor,” he said.

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