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Four term county lawmaker to remain as Niagara County Democratic Party Chairman. 

By: Frank Parlato

Niagara County Legislator Jason Zona (D)- Niagara Falls has announced he will not seek re-election to the county legislature in 2019.  The four term incumbent, and recently elected Niagara County Democratic Chairman has represented Town of Niagara and parts of Niagara Falls at county hall since 2012.

​“I’ve been honored for eight years to represent the residents of the fifth district in county government” Zona stated.  “It’s been a great experience.  We were able to take on challenging issues while at the same time meeting great people throughout the district.  On top of that, I had the privilege of getting to know many of the fantastic employees that serve county government.”

Zona, who has been part of the Minority Caucus in the Legislature that included the three other democratic lawmakers from Niagara Falls was elected unanimously September 17th as the new leader of the County Democratic Party.  He frequently sparred with republican majority leaders who have controlled county government for almost two decades.

Zona added “I’ve always felt the one party dominance in the county has lead to many instances of bad government which has hurt the residents of this county. It’s the reason I decided to take on the county chairmanship.  Until we balance out this legislature, and eliminate the super majority in county government, were just asking for many of the problems we have.”

Niagara County Republican committee members recently elected county lawmaker Rich Andres as their new party boss.  Andres has stated he will remain in his seat with the legislature.  Zona feels trying to do both positions is too much to take on and he considers it a conflict.

“I just feel the time constraints to do both jobs successfully are too much.  I also feel it makes governing much more difficult when your being charged with finding better alternatives to your legislative colleagues” Zona commented.  “I can say this, as far as the fifth district goes, we will have a fantastic replacement nominated regardless to replace me so I feel comfortable in that regard.”

County Legislator, and longtime Minority Leader Dennis Virtuoso (D)- Niagara Falls stated “ Jason has done a fantastic job representing his district.  I’m disappointed he’s leaving the legislature but we’re very confident he’s going to be successful running the party and that’s very important.  We know he’ll have a strong replacement for his seat as well.”