North Tonawanda mayor will seek Maziarz’s position

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Robert G. Ortt

NORTH TONAWANDA – The mayor of North Tonawanda announced today he will seek to fill George Maziarz’s position in the State Senate.

Robert G. Ortt, 35, has been North Tonawanda mayor since Jan. 1, 2010. Prior to that he served as the city’s treasurer and then clerk-treasurer.

Ortt enlisted in the National Guard on October 2001 after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He served a tour in Afghanistan from March to December 2008. Prior to working in city hall, Ortt was a personal financial analyst with Primerica Financial Services.

He issued this statement today:

“Public service has always been a duty I’ve been proud to fulfill. As a veteran, I was proud to serve my country in Operation Enduring Freedom, mentoring the Afghan National Police in Kandahar City. As a civilian, I have the great privilege of serving my community as the chief executive of the City of North Tonawanda. What New York State needs most are leaders who will put service to others first and foremost.

“After serious considerations with my wife Meghan, I have decided to announce my candidacy to serve the people of the 62nd district in the New York State Senate. I plan to bring the values and leadership of a veteran and chief executive with me to Albany, to represent the people of Niagara, Orleans and Monroe counties.”

A committee to fill vacancies will name a candidate for the Republican line after Maziarz announced on Sunday he wouldn’t be seeking re-election.