By Emily Carson
News Editor
Luke Stewart, sophomore political science major, was elected into common council of Salamanca on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
The City Common Council is a board of elected officials that represent different areas of a city or town. It is a legislative body which votes on city law, proposes bills and manages the budget, according to Stewart.
In Salamanca, there are five council seats that represent the five areas in the city. Stewart is will be the republican representative for ward 5.
Stewart, who hopes to create a career in government, is very excited about the news.
“I was truly humbled by the amount of support I received and how many people came out to vote for me,” he said. “To be honest, I was very nervous on election night, but this just reaffirms my beliefs that people want to see really passionate and energetic people in office.”
Stewart wanted to run for common council as soon as he was old enough to do so. Stewart is the youngest candidate elected onto the common council this year, but says that the age difference will just give him an incentive to work harder.
“I’m going to be tested and looked at from all angles I’m sure of it,” he said. That only gives me more drive to work hard and strive for making my community a better place. The people gave me the opportunity, so I shall be there to help them to the best of my abilities.”
Stewart also said he is up for the challenge of combining his common council duties and his school work.
“That will be a challenge, but I thrive in adversity,” he said. It’s just going to come down to better time management, and a lot of reading.”
Stewart’s term will begin in January 2013 and says his first term of business will likely be working on the city budget.
“To be one of the six city leaders in Salamanca really puts into perspective what I have done to earn this honor,” he said. “I couldn’t do it without the people though, and I’d like to thank everyone that helped make my first campaign for office a success.”
carsonek10@bonaventure.edu
