Niagara County Legislator-designate Kari Ann Bullman, center, takes her oath of office Tuesday night in Lockport. Administering the oath, at left, is Niagara County Clerk Wayne F. Jagow, while Legislator Richard F. Soluri, R-Lewiston, holds the Bible. Bullman succeeds Legislator Jason J. Cafarella in the downtown Niagara Falls-based 3rd District.
Niagara County lawmakers moved quickly Tuesday night to fill the seat vacated by Legislator Jason J. Cafarella's March 31 resignation, nominating a Niagara Falls woman he helped select.
Unanimously approving the nomination of Democrat Kari Ann Bullman of 60th Street, Niagara County filled the vacancy created by Cafarella's decision to move outside his legislative district. Cafarella announced his plans to resign from the deliberative body in early February, and was part of the committee that met March 31 to interview applicants to serve out the remaining months of his term.
"I am enthusiastic to begin my public service, putting forth all my efforts to work collectively on county and individual district issues, and to serve my district as successfully as my predecessor, Jason Cafarella," Bullman told her new colleagues moments after taking the oath of office from County Clerk Wayne F. Jagow.
Bullman is administrative director and legal assistant for One Niagara LLC in Niagara Falls. In that role, she is responsible for administration and personnel functions, business operations, and legal affairs for the building management corporation. The One Niagara building is a nine-story glass structure near the Rainbow Bridge.
Bullman arrives at the Legislature already knowing at least one of her new colleagues: Legislator Richard F. Soluri, R-Lewiston, who has worked with Bullman professionally on the development of One Niagara, held the Bible while Bullman swore her oath of office.
"I'm very honored, and I look forward to working with this chamber," Bullman told fellow lawmakers, sounding a note of optimism about working with her new colleagues. "As I begin down this path, I'm optimistic and I anticipate future support."
Bullman was seated immediately after being sworn in Tuesday. The 3rd District she now represents is centered on downtown Niagara Falls and the Pine Avenue business district.
"Niagara County is a great place to live and work," Bullman said. "I am ready to advocate on behalf of my constituents and to work proactively with all county officials, and to become a proud member of the county government."