Dennis Gorski
Dennis T. Gorski | |
---|---|
Executive of Erie County | |
In office January 1, 1988 – December 31, 1999 | |
Preceded by | Ed Rutkowski |
Succeeded by | Joel Giambra |
Member of the New York State Assembly from the 146th, later the 143rd district | |
In office 1975–1987 | |
Preceded by | Alan J. Justin |
Succeeded by | Paul Tokasz |
Member of the Erie County Legislature from the 3rd District | |
In office 1972–1974 | |
Preceded by | Frank C. Ludera |
Succeeded by | William Stachowski |
Personal details | |
Born | July 20, 1944 |
Died | July 4, 2021 United States Marines | (aged 76)
Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Dennis T. Gorski (July 20, 1944 – July 4, 2021) was an American politician in
Like many Buffalo Democrats, including
After leaving the county executive's office, Gorski worked in private business in
Personal
Gorski was the son of Helen (Pieprzny) and
Gorski was a
Military career
During the
Political career
Gorski was a member of the Erie County Legislature from 1972 to 1974. He was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1975 to 1987, sitting in the 181st, 182nd, 183rd, 184th, 185th, 186th and 187th New York State Legislatures. In the Assembly, he chaired the Committee on Oversight, Analysis and Investigation from 1980 to 1984, and the Committee on Local Governments from 1984 to 1987.[10] In 1984, Assemblyman Gorski co-sponsored legislation that amended state no-fault insurance laws in order to preserve the right to declare "loss of fetus" as a serious injury in an automobile accident. Previously, the laws were written such that this type of loss had been dismissed in the Appellate Division of the New York State Court in a suit brought by Jane Raymond for a 1978 accident.[11] In 1985, he was selected to light the flame at the opening ceremony for the eighth annual Empire State Games.[12] That year, he was among the Vietnam War veterans from New York State invited by tour consultants when Vietnam opened its economy to American tourists.[13] Gorski, who was the only former officer on the trip, had secured state funding for the venture.[9]
When Gorski ran for the Democratic nomination for Erie County Executive in 1987, Buffalo City Councilman James P. Keane had the support of the Erie County Democratic Party and
As County Executive, Gorski would oppose Mayor Griffin several times. One of the first occurred in 1989 when Griffin ignored Vietnam veterans' request to use LaSalle Park to host The Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Washington, D.C.'s Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Gorski made Chestnut Ridge Park, which is located 25 miles (40 km) south of Buffalo in Erie County, available to the veterans.[23] A major crisis during his administration led to the threatened shutdown of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority bus and Light rail Buffalo Metro Rail subway service throughout Western New York. At the time, Buffalo was the smallest American city with a subway system and Alfred Savage had just resigned as Executive Director to assume that position with the Chicago Transit Authority.[24] During Gorski's first term the local economy was revitalized: by March 1990, Buffalo's monthly unemployment rate fell below the state average for the first time in 11 years, and the region's job growth had outpaced the state average for its fourth consecutive year.[25] The city was ranked by Fortune as one of the nation's top five growth communities.[26] Gorski signed the controversial item pricing law in 1991, making Erie County one of the earliest counties to confirm the requirement that most supermarket products have price tags.[27] By the time he ran for re-election for the first time, he was backed by both the County Democratic and Conservative parties, and he was challenged by fourth-term incumbent Mayor Griffin.[28] Gorski handily won the Democratic nomination over Griffin by a 68–32 margin as well as the Conservative party nomination.[29] Gorski handed Griffin the first general election defeat of his political career when the Mayor contested Gorski as the Republican Party and New York State Right to Life Party nominee.[29][30] By the end of Gorski's first term, he had established himself as the most influential person in Western New York according to a report cited in The New York Times.[3]
During Gorski's second term, one of the more unusual crises was the arrest of 194
In both 1992 and 1993, the Erie County Legislature was unable to agree to pass the extended 1 percent special sales tax for the county without Gorski threatening major county cutbacks.[36] When Buffalo hosted the 1993 Summer World University Games, Mayor Griffin was very much against the idea, but Gorski was considered one of the Games' godfathers.[37] He stood behind the effort to host the games even as it went beyond its budgeted costs.[38] In 1994, Republican George Pataki defeated Democrat Mario Cuomo, causing a crisis for the Democratic Party.[39] Gorski also arranged the deal to keep the Buffalo Sabres from moving by helping to build Marine Midland Arena.[40]
Despite the troubles for the Democratic party in New York, Gorski defeated Republican Lucian J. Greco in his second re-election in November 1995.
In March 2014, Gorski announced his candidacy for Cheektowaga Town Justice.[51] On November 4, Gorski won the election.[52][53] He served a four-year term and was not a candidate for re-election in 2018.[54][55]
Private life
After leaving the county executive's office, Gorski worked in private business in Buffalo. Gorski worked for HealthNow (Parent company of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York)[56] for nine years in a variety of capacities. At first he was hired as a consultant to BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York in January 2000.[57] At the time there was much talk in local op-ed pages about the prospects of him serving as Superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools.[58][59] He also consulted for the Upstate Medicare Division.[60] By December 2000, he had been hired as a Vice President of HealthNow.[56] He eventually became a senior vice president at HealthNow overseeing government affairs and lobbying, which made him responsible for government health programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus and earned him a 2007 salary of $398,302. Previously, Gorski was HealthNow's vice president of policy and representation.[61] In February 2009 HealthNow laid off 17 employees, including Gorski and three other senior executives, during a restructuring.[62] In July 2009, Gorski was hired by McCullagh Coffee Co. of Buffalo to help it negotiate government channels on many fronts—especially with its new "sustainable" coffee brands.[61]
Gorski died at his home in Cheektowaga on July 4, 2021, from complications of Parkinson's disease at the age of 76.[63]
Notes
- Newsbank. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
- Newsbank. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
- ^ a b c Howe Verhovek, Sam (1991-12-29). "Political Talk". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- Buffalo News. Retrieved 2009-09-06.
- ^ "Helen T. Gorski, 93, wife, mother of public servants Aug. 10, 1914 -- March 19, 2008". 30 March 2008.
- ^ Buffalo News. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Buffalo News. 1992-09-13. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Buffalo News. Retrieved 2009-09-06.
- ^ a b c Crossette, Barbara (1985-10-27). "For Four New Yorkers Difficult Vietnam Visit". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ The New York red book. Vol. 89. J.B. Lyon Company. 1988. p. 251.
- ^ "Cuomo Signs Bill to Step Up Penalties in Animal Fighting". The New York Times. 1984-06-03. p. 50. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Moran, Malcolm (1985-08-11). "An Olympic Flavor in Buffalo For the Empire State Games". The New York Times. p. S8.
- ^ Crossette, Barbara (1985-11-03). "Vietnam Is Giving American Tourism a Trial Run". The New York Times. p. 22. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Lynn, Frank (1987-09-14). "Races in Suffolk and Bronx to Highlight Primaries in New York". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Lynn, Frank (1987-09-16). "Ferrer Wins in Bronx; LoGrande Is Suffolk Victor". The New York Times. p. B3. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Lynn, Frank (1987-10-29). "Democrats Fight for County Posts In New York G.O.P. Strongholds". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Lynn, Frank (1987-11-04). "Democrats Capture Top Posts In Suffolk, Erie and Monroe; Sweep All 44 Races In New York City, But Lose In Nassau". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Schmalz, Jeffrey (1987-12-01). "Lawmakers Meet Cuomo to Avoid Special Session". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Lynn, Frank (1988-03-13). "Political Notes; Being at Odds With Leaders May Aid Koch". The New York Times. p. 33. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Lynn, Frank (1985-02-07). "Cuomo Trying To Oust Crangle As Chairman In Erie County". The New York Times. p. B2. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Lynn, Frank (1988-06-01). "Democrats Friendly, Not Feuding, In New York". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Lynn, Frank (1988-03-16). "Democrats Take Assembly Seats In 4 of 5 Races". The New York Times. p. B2. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- Buffalo News. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ "Buffalo to Halt Bus and Subway Tomorrow Night". The New York Times. 1990-03-30. p. B2. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Sack, Kevin (1990-07-20). "From Rust Belt to Money Belt in Buffalo". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Howe Verhovek, Sam (1991-01-25). "Super Bowl XXV; It's First-and-10 for Buffalo's Zooming Civic Pride". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Glaberson, William (1991-11-18). "Grocers and Shoppers Spar Anew Over Pricing". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
- ^ Lynn, Frank (1991-07-07). "Political Talk". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ a b "Primary Day; Erie County Executive Defeats Buffalo Mayor". The New York Times. 1991-09-13. p. B4. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ "New York State". The New York Times. 1991-11-07. p. B9. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Tabor, Mary W. (1992-04-24). "No Arrests at Abortion Clinics In Buffalo as Clashes Subside". The New York Times. p. B4. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ "Candidates for Federal Office and New York State and New York City Posts". The New York Times. 1992-11-02. Retrieved 2009-09-12.
- ^ Howe Verhovek, Sam (1992-06-28). "Political Notes; A Rockefeller May Take On D'Amato in Primary". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Howe Verhovek, Sam (1991-12-29). "Political Talk". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Hernandez, Raymond (2004-04-27). "Buffalo Republican to Leave Congress". The New York Times. p. B7. Retrieved 2009-11-17.
- ^ "Erie County Entangled in Sales-Tax Feud". The New York Times. 1993-02-14. p. 48. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Gruson, Lindsay (1993-01-31). "Scoffing at Its Skeptics, Buffalo Prepares for University Games". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Sandomir, Richard (1993-07-04). "World University Games; Buffalo Flips Over Games, Hopes for No Flops". The New York Times. p. S7. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Sack, Kevin (1994-12-11). "Democrats Seek a Plan To Salvage Their Party". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Buffalo News. Retrieved 2009-09-06.
- ^ Fisher, Ian (1995-11-08). "Races Around the Region: ERIE COUNTY;Strong G.O.P. Challenge Rebuffed". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Glaberson, William (1997-04-14). "One Struggling City Ponders Extinguishing Itself". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ George, Thomas (1997-06-29). "It's True: Even the Bills Could Move". The New York Times. p. S4. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ "Deal Could Keep the Bills In Buffalo for 15 Years". The New York Times. 1997-08-01. p. B11. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ "Pro Football: Notebook; Bills Owner and Flutie Have Reasons to Cheer". The New York Times. 1998-12-19. p. D20. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Dao, James (1997-04-21). "McCall Fears Governor's Race Too Costly". The New York Times. p. B7. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ "Metro News Briefs: New York State; Judge Is Asked to Dismiss Suit Over Grand Island". The New York Times. 1998-02-21. p. B4. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Bumiller, Elisabeth (1999-10-29). "Giuliani Helps a Campaign Hoping for Help in Return". The New York Times. p. B5. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Halbfinger, David M. (1999-11-01). "For Election Day, Ho-Hum Races, but a Rare Bit of Hope for Nassau Democrats". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- ^ Ramirez, Anthony (1999-11-03). "The 1999 Elections: Erie County; Republican Defeats Incumbent In Race for County Executive". The New York Times. p. B10. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
- WIVB. 2014-03-13. Retrieved 2014-11-09.
- Buffalo News. 2014-11-04. Retrieved 2014-11-09.
- ^ Carlson, Erika (2014-11-06). "Gorski wins justice seat, Wozniak takes Assembly race". Cheektowaga Bee. Retrieved 2014-11-09.
- ^ Herr, Jim (April 17, 2018). "Town Democrats gives justice nomination to Speyer". Cheektowaga Chronicle. Cheektowaga, NY.
- ^ Herr, Jim (January 14, 2019). "Cheektowaga justice race heats up with Stevens' announcement". Cheektowaga Chronicle. Cheektowaga, NY.
- ^ Buffalo News. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
- Buffalo News. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
- Buffalo News. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
- Buffalo News. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
- Buffalo News. 2000-05-24. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
- ^ Buffalo News. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
- Buffalo News. Retrieved 2009-09-11.
- ^ Sommer, Mark (July 4, 2021). "Dennis T. Gorski, three-term Erie County executive, dies at 76". The Buffalo News.