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By: Staff Reporter

During a City Council meeting on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021, Councilman Andrew Touma announced his retirement from City Council.

“It is with a heavy heart, that I will be stepping down from my council position effective March 31st 2021,” said Touma. “It has been an honor serving the residents of Niagara Falls, NY. I am currently in the last year of my second term.  I have tried very hard to educate myself in order to perform my responsibilities to the best of my ability.  I have tried to make a difference in the city that I have lived in my entire life and one that is very close to my heart.”

Touma began his term as a City Councilman in 2014. He went on to say, “The reason for my departure is to pursue a leadership role in the Niagara Falls City School District. This is my 27th year in education, 26 of which have been spent in the NFCSD.  I was an Assistant Principal in the North Tonawanda School District for one year. It has been my career goal for well over a decade and a half now to obtain an administrative position in the Niagara Falls City School district.   In order to be prepared for the next opportunity, it is important that I dedicate 100% of my time and energy to this task.  I look forward to the challenges ahead and serving our students and families in our community.”

Mayor Robert Restaino spoke of his time working with Touma in City Council saying, “While I have only had the opportunity to work with Councilman Touma for the past 15 months, he has been a reasonable and supportive voice throughout that time.” Mayor Restaino also went to on to say, “During the onset of the pandemic he maintained a steadfast commitment to work with this administration to provide for the public health in our community. I will miss his perspective on many of the ongoing city issues, however I understand his career goals and on behalf of myself and my family I wish Andy much success.”

Touma concluded by saying, “I would like to thank my family and friends who have been by my side for the last eight years.  My wife Jocelyn has been so understanding and loving along with my children.  I want to thank my mother, sister, and other family members for their support.  My deceased father was very proud to have his son serve as a councilman in the City in which he was born and raised and lived his life.  Thank you to all my friends and volunteers who shared the same vision and passion I have for this city.  It has been a pleasure working with the residents, City Hall staff, Mayor Dyster, and our current Mayor Robert Restaino, and all my present and past council colleagues and other elected officials.  I will miss our dialogue and working together on the task of improving our City. Niagara Falls is on the precipice of great things. God Bless all of you and God Bless Niagara Falls.”