The Women's TAP Fund Steering Committee has completed its interview process for candidates who are running for local offices in the Primary Elections on September 13, 2005. 15 candidates have been endorsed, as well as the continued endorsement of DENISE E. O'DONNELL in her 2006 race for NYS Attorney General.

The upheaval in Erie County has created an opportunity for us to support exceptional women running for the Erie County Legislature for the first time. They are:

SUSAN TIGHE-CUSHMAN (D) 13th District
MICHELE M. IANELLO (D) 10th District
KATHY KONST (D) 5th District
MARIA R. WHYTE (D) 6th District

Two incumbents appeared before us for endorsement and we find both to be remarkably well-qualified candidates. LYNN MARINELLI (D), 11th District, Erie County Legislature has shown herself to be a leader with fortitude and resolve. As the Majority leader, she has demonstrated a willingness to deal with Erie County's fiscal situation in a responsible manner.

A candidate for Niagara County Legislature, incumbent RENAE KIMBLE again receives our endorsement. Ms. Kimble exemplifies the importance of electing pro-choice women. As legislator, she successfully fought to preserve women's reproductive rights when Niagara Memorial Hospital went through a financial crisis.


The TAP Fund endorses a group of outstanding candidates for suburban town and city offices They include:

City of Tonawanda
Mayor - GAYLE L. SYPOSS (D)

Town of Amherst
Supervisor - SUSAN GRELICK (D) Incumbent
Town Council - JANE WOORDWARD (R) Incumbent
Town Council - DEBORAH BRUCH BUCKI (D)

Town of Aurora
Supervisor - JANET BENSMAN (D)

Town of Grand Island
Town Council -RENEE WOLOSZYN (D)


The following JUDICIAL candidates received the TAP fund Endorsement:

Buffalo City Court - THE HONORABLE SHEILA DITULLIO (D) Incumbent
E.C. Family Court - THE HONORABLE JEANETTE OGDEN (D) Incumbent
NYS Supreme Court - LYNN CLARKE