All five seats for Common Council are up for election this year in the city of Dunkirk. On Monday, we offered an overview of the candidates for Wards One, Two and Three.

Today, we offer our choices for Ward Four and the at-large position.

≤ WARD FOUR – Incumbent Nancy Nichols is the eyes and ears of her constituents. She is unquestionably the one who takes to heart just about every concern she hears while holding her position. Her challenger, Brittany Lombardo, is new to politics. In her 20s, she has high hopes for the city’s future. While we appreciate her enthusiasm, we’re not quite sure of her ability to oversee and understand the massive operation that is a $26 million city budget. Nichols, and her other council Republicans, were woeful with the last budget and showed a lack of understanding while holding at least one illegal meeting. We cannot excuse that irresponsible action. We offer no endorsement in this race.

≤ AT-LARGE – Both Linda Stolinski and Nick Weiser were defeated during the last council elections. Stolinski lost in Ward Two to incumbent Martin Bamonto after mail-in ballots were counted while Weiser lost in a tight battle with this year’s Republican mayoral hopeful Dave Damico for the same seat.

Weiser, who has been a key cog to what has become a growing jazz festival in Fredonia, was a viable candidate two years ago and seems just as strong this time around. We back his agenda that eyes a stronger economy based on the lakefront and relies on synergy with Buffalo and Erie. Stolinski, who in a recent article noted her displeasure with the $5.5 million loan to cover city costs in the summer, says she wants more accountability over spending. We would agree, but that does not seem to be at the forefront of the city Republicans’ agenda.