Dave Gomula is running as a challenger to incumbent Paul Ochal for the second ward common council position. Gomula will appear on the Democratic and Conservative lines on second ward ballots on election day, November 5, 2019.
Background
Gomula is a lifelong Amsterdam resident and a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. He has had a military career of over thirty years which began with basic training with the U.S. Army. He later transferred to the Air National Guard and retired in 1994 as a master sergeant at the Stratton Air National Guard Base. He has also worked a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal service for over 30 years. He is an original member of the Amsterdam Veterans Commission, a past member of American Legion Post 701, and a current member of the Polish American Veterans.
On the issues
Question: What specific steps must the city take to correct the problem of over-estimation of revenues and under-estimation of expenses?
Answer: I’ve gone door to door and the biggest complaint is that we pay too much taxes. We’ll try to eliminate the waste if we can in the budget because that’s what’s really causing the deficit to balloon.
Question: Where do you currently stand on moving forward (or not) on the KCG Development residential project?
Answer: Once the environmental issues have been resolved, if elected, naturally I’m going to sit down and look at it. Housing is always a good thing.
Question: What are your qualifications from previous positions/experiences?
Answer: I learned a lot in the military. I retired a master sergeant. I was the head of what they call RIBS – readiness in base services. I was in charge of scheduling and coordinating logistical operations such as providing food and mortuary services.
Question: What would be your top goals if elected?
Answer: The main thing is blight, houses that should be torn down, and the roads. When I go out, people ask me “what are you going to do for me?” A lot of them are undecided. I ask them what their needs are right now. Some will say “my taxes are too high,” other will say “I don’t know who my alderman is.” I’ll bring more energy to the position and maintain better contact with my ward.
