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Dan Bazzani is leaving the world of basketball for the world of politics.
Bazzani, who led the Niagara Falls High School boys basketball team to a state championship in 2005, is stepping down from coaching in order to run for a seat in the New York State Assembly. He is seeking the Republican endorsement for the November election for the 138th Assembly District seat, a position currently held by Francine DelMonte, D-Lewiston.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to walk away from coaching,” Bazzani said. “I love the relationship I had with my players.”
Bazzani, a former Niagara Falls city councilman from 1980 to 1983, ran unsuccessfully for the same Assembly seat back in 1980, losing to then-incumbent Joseph Pillittere. He feels something needs to be done to turn around the city’s fortunes.
“Government alone cannot create jobs,” he said. “But responsible government can nurture an environment which allows business to grow while inviting prospective developers to invest in our community.”
A father of an 18-year-old, Bazzani said he has the same concerns that most parents and grandparents have in the city — that a lack of jobs is going to send the next generation of workers out of the area.
Bazzani feels area businesses have suffered while businesses connected with the Seneca Niagara Casino have prospered.
“We must take bold steps which will allow casino-related success to move beyond Seneca property,” he said. “We must do what we can to level the playing field for non-Indian businesses in our community.” [read more]
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