Councilmember Christopher Fisher City of Tonawanda 2nd Ward

  Chris Fisher Gives Back, 2024!

Councilmember Chris Fisher joined Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes to ask Governor Hochul to support and sign bill A.9205A / S.8596A, which expands New York's Veteran Tuition Awards Program to cover all New York resident veterans. This would allow non-combat veterans to receive Veterans Tuition Awards, thus making higher education more accessible to them.

  Kenton Bee, August 28, 2024 Whenever I vote on or argue on an agenda item, I ask myself, how is the taxpayer affected by this decision? I pay what you pay regarding city taxes. I was elected to safeguard the residents from outrageous tax increases. Rest assured; I’m fighting that battle for you at every council meeting!   

  It’s More Than Just a Parking Sign When I was campaigning, I promised to make city government work for the people. When a resident reached out with an issue, I began the process to mitigate their situation. Working with the Mayor’s Office, we were able to work collaboratively to accommodate the homeowners. It was something as small as a sign. But this sign is more than just a parking sign. This is a sign that your Councilmember and the Mayor’s Office can give residents and taxpayers the services they want and deserve. Feel free to contact me. I’m here for you, because of you. 

  I OPPOSE Overriding the Tax Cap! We should not be adopting a budget that is unfair to tax payers.   What is the Real Property Tax Cap? With some exceptions, the State’s Property Tax Cap limits the amount local governments and most school districts can increase the tax levy (the total amount of property taxes billed) to the lower of two percent or the rate of inflation. (Individual property tax bills are based on various factors, and they may increase more than two percent.) Local governments, citizens and the Office of the New York State Comptroller (OSC) play important roles in the process. Local governments, libraries, schools (except New York City) and fire districts must report to OSC: the information necessary to calculate their tax levy limit; and, whether they plan to stay within the Tax Cap. Local government boards must pass a local law or resolution by at least a 60 percent vote to override the Tax Cap. Counties, cities and villages are already subject...

April 9, 2024, marks my 100th day in office as 2nd Ward City Councilmember. I hit the ground running and wanted to share highlights from the first 100 days! I sponsored the resolution that amended the parking regulation regarding overnight parking. This resolution amended the current ordinance giving the mayor the authority to adjust the overnight parking regulations. This is for when nice weather allows for more on-street parking, like neighboring municipalities. I have donated $350 to organizations with the “Chris Fisher Gives Back Campaign.” This was a campaign promise to “pay it forward,” and it’s making a positive impact in the city. I have demanded accountability of taxpayer money by auditing expenditures and doing one simple thing….Asking Questions! I refuse to “rubber stamp” resolutions just because “that’s the way it’s always been.” I voted no on 4% pay raises for the highest salary earners on the city payroll. (These salaries are mostly six-figure incomes.) The mayor ...

The “Chris Fisher Gives Back Campaign” was created by Chris Fisher as a campaign promise to give back to the community. In November 2023, Chris Fisher was elected second ward city councilmember. True to his word, Chris implemented this program to giveaway $50 of his salary each council meeting to an organization that is doing good in the community. Chris is a supporter of small business and charitable organizations, so this is a positive way to give back. “I’m a big believer in giving. I’m making a positive contribution to the community while teaching my daughter about compassion. There is nothing more rewarding than service to one’s community.” ~ Chris Fisher  

  On the campaign trail I promised the following: “Adjust the parking regulations so the overnight parking ban does not take effect on October 1st or last until March 31st when the weather is projected to be warm enough to allow for on-street parking.” At the March 19, 2024 Council Meeting, Resolution Number Two was sponsored by me and was passed unanimously by the council. This will allow the mayor to end the parking restriction early or extend the on-street parking later “based upon weather conditions and/or the needs of the City.” This is what team work and a unified council can do for our city! Promise Made… Promise Kept!

  Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Governor Hochul has made downtown revitalization a central component of the State’s economic development policy. The DRI and NY Forward will accelerate and expand New York’s downtown revitalization. NY’s downtowns are the heart and soul of our regions. Utilizing the Department of State’s plan-then-act strategy, the synergy between the DRI and NY Forward connects the renaissance of magnet cities with the revitalization of smaller downtowns – creating greater opportunities for New York residents, businesses and visitors.  New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is a cornerstone of the State's economic development program. The DRI transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity. These compact, walkable downtowns are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy f...

  As an active member of our community, Chris runs the Mayor’s Summer Reading Program, the City Open House, and the City of Tonawanda Veteran of the Month award. As an Army veteran, a parent to a 1st grader, and an active citizen, Chris volunteers to run these programs for the betterment of our city!  “There’s nothing more rewarding than service to our community.” ~ Chris Fisher

As election day approaches, let me tell you a little bit about myself and how I serve our community. Community service has always been extremely important to me and I’m raising my daughter to understand the importance of giving back to the community in which she lives in. We do this by volunteering. One of my first major volunteer roles started in 2003 with the Town of Tonawanda Youth Court. When I moved to NYC to become an NYPD officer, I volunteered advocating for veterans as well as helping my wife with animal rescue and welfare. When I retired and moved back to the Buffalo, NY area, I continued my Youth Court volunteer work and decided to add a few more roles to my community service. I advocated for Veterans returning to college by serving on the UB Veterans Steering Committee. I volunteered for 3 years for UB’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event and I was asked to join the event steering committee for the 2018 year. My more recent volunteer roles include coaching youth soccer. When my...

  Thank you to the Buffalo News for the acknowledgment in a related article published October 9th, 2023. This November, 2nd Ward residents will have another choice on the ballot. "Residents First" was created by voters that wanted an additional choice. I'm honored to have gained the support and trust of my friends and neighbors in the 2nd Ward to create this line.  "I enjoy raising my family in the City of Tonawanda. I pay the same taxes as everyone else. I get hit with the same tax increases as everyone else. I'm running to hold the line on tax increases. I want to keep Tonawanda an affordable place to raise a family." 

 

Veteran of the Month Program As a disabled veteran, Chris strives to help other veterans. When Chris became Chair of the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement, he immediately created a program to honor veterans right here in our city. Chris worked with the Mayor to create a program that would recognize an exceptional local veteran for their service and dedication to our country each month. In addition to receiving a personalized certificate from the Mayor, a duplicate of that certificate is displayed at City Hall for the entire month for all to see. To nominate a veteran, please see the attached flyer and application and contact Chris. Chris is honored to run this program and advocate for all Veterans. 

I am proud to have been newly appointed to the City’s Cemetery Committee. The committee does a great job keeping the cemetery clean, preserved, and presentable. I am excited to see how I can make a positive contribution to the committee. In addition to this new appointment, I take pride in our community. I run three city programs: The Veteran of the Month, The Summer Reading Program for Children, and the City Open House. If anyone wants to know more about any of these programs, please email me at electchrisfisher@outlook.com