Flach to Challenge Virtuoso

A decorated Iraq war veteran and the owner of the Gorge View Hostel has announced his candidacy for the 6th District Niagara County Legislative seat now held by Democrat Dennis Virtuoso.

Jeffery Flach, who has the full support of Niagara Falls City Republican Chairman Bill Carroll, returned to Niagara Falls in 2014 after leaving active military service as an army major.

Flach, 46, said in the announcement of his candidacy that “transparency lets both residents and decision-makers clearly see how resources are being allocated as well as the direct result of those allocations.  By prioritizing transparency, we remove the distractions of ignorant debates and replace them with informed discussions on how to realistically solve problems based on available resources.”

Flach, who earned two bronze stars while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, has a master of science degree from the University of Texas in El Paso.

In his announcement, Flach cited what he said was his success with transforming Red Lounge Hostel, a 140-year-old building, into one of the city’s highest customer-rated accommodations in just under three years.

Contacted Wednesday night, Virtuoso, who had been rumored to be considering retiring from the legislature, said he plans on running again this year.