Ben Troche

Troche was born and raised in the village and has called it his home his whole life.

Troche is a 2019 Southwestern High School graduate, where he was president of the Student Council and an ex-officio member of the Board of Education. He enjoyed working with the school’s administration for student’s concerns. He also held leadership and mentor positions in many other clubs.

He joined the Lakewood Fire Department in 2018 and quickly gained responsibility in different positions. He furthered his certifications in 2020 as an EMT-B working in the City of Jamestown for Alstar Troche Ben currently holds the rank of lieutenant and is on multiple different committees.

In the summer of 2021 interned in the Chautauqua County Executive’s Office working on daily operations and as an adviser for County Executive PJ Wendel.

Troche is furthering his education at the University of Rochester double majoring in political science and business. holding leadership positions in various clubs, while splitting his time between campus and his hometown.

He said he wants to run for the board because for too long his generation has had the goal of moving away while he believes Lakewood is a great place to live.

Chautauqua Lake and the village’s parks are a vital resource for the citizens of Lakewood and if elected on the board he will work to strengthen their health and access for generations to come. He believes the lake’s responsibility is not just Lakewood’s but also that of the 16 stakeholders surrounding Chautauqua Lake. However, Troche said Lakewood needs to play an active role within these discussions.

Troche said he supports the village’s departments and believes that they also make Lakewood an attractive place to settle and raise a family. Lakewood’s highway, fire, and police departments make the community safe, he said. Troche said he wants to ensure the departments have the resources needed to continue providing such services. He also has seen the neglect the buildings that house the departments have faced, and if elected Troche said he will work with the board to update and maintain the village’s departments facilities.

Troche said he puts emphasis on Chautauqua Avenue and its businesses as it is Lakewood’s Main Street along with Fairmount Avenue.

Ben Troche