NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Niagara Falls has its first new Mayor in more than a decade. Robert Restaino, 60, was sworn into office Wednesday morning inside City Hall.
Restaino is a a former City of Niagara Falls Judge and Board of Education president. Now he's the leader of the Cataract City.
He addressed a standing-room only crowd and talked about change, opportunity and hope.
"It starts with leadership. I believe throughout my entire public service career I've been transparent. I expect to bring that same attitude to City Hall," he said.
There are financial issues for the new mayor to address and not be ignored, such as casino revenue from the Seneca Nation.
"I anticipate being able to engage in direct conversations with the Seneca Nation for the purpose is addressing that concern," he told reporters.
Poverty was part of his campaign, and Mayor Restaino said "it's not a glamorous topic," but it must be addressed.
"Unless and until we tackle the problem of poverty in the City of Niagara Falls, and statistics are out there with regard to how poverty has impacted our city. Unless and until we address that all other remedies are going to be difficult and all of those problems -- neighborhoods, crime -- will continue to fester," Restaino added.
The mayor said he intends to redirect some community development resources to go back into the neighborhoods.
He plans to focus on bring new attractions to Niagara Falls, now that Wonder Falls resort is not happening.
Restaino said he has already had discussions with people on serious ideas for new attractions. He would not elaborate, because it is only in the discussion phase.
In a city that has been plagued by politics, Restaino said, "now is not the time to be complacent or malignant, to continue tearing each other down without offering viable alternatives or to simply see influence without responsibility."
Instead he wants cooperation.
"I don't care if an idea or strategy comes from a Democrat, Republican, a conservative or a progressive. If there is a plan that can smartly benefit the City of Niagara Falls, I will work on your behalf to implement it so you can reap those benefits," the mayor said.