Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas is making the announcement tonight to the city Democratic Committee. P-J file photo

DUNKIRK — Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas is expected to announce this evening he will not be seeking a third term in office.

Chautauqua County’s leading Democrat, who currently has the most clout with Albany while serving as a municipal representative locally, will share the news tonight with members of the Dunkirk Democratic Committee that his second term will be his last. Rosas’ decision comes on the heels of the $10 million Downtown Reinvestment Initiative that was announced last month during a stop by state Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“Serving the residents of the city of Dunkirk as mayor for almost eight years has been a most rewarding experience for me,” Rosas said in a statement to the OBSERVER. “I have been honored to represent this city and have done my best to serve with honesty, dignity and always keeping what I believed to be best for Dunkirk in mind. But I believe that it is time for new leadership.”

Though the recent award from the Empire State Development Council may be one of his greater accomplishments, Rosas also has been at the helm of a number of initiatives and development pieces. He spearheaded the redesigned Dunkirk City Pier while also working to get the splash pad constructed at Wright Park.

In addition, Rosas was the driver to having the city be the key supplier to the North County Water District. This led to millions of dollars in investments to the water filtation plant on Lake Shore Drive. He also worked to bring an air show to the city as well as a pair of boat races that brought some national prominence to the city during his first four years.

But his second term, which kicked off before the COVID pandemic in January 2020, has been a major headache. Three new council members — and one holdover who changed allegiances — quickly eliminated a human resources officer and an executive assistant shortlly after their terms began. Rosas also was implicated by then Common Council member Paul VanDenVouver in May 2021 in a scheme to have city crews remove trees on private property near Point Gratiot at a cost of between $6,000 and $8,000 to taxpayers. Council asked the state comptroller and FBI to become involved in the investigation, but nothing has publicly been stated about the incident since.

Rosas said an uncooperative council and a vile political atmosphere in these years were major factors in planning his future. “Making the decision to not run for a third term was not easy,” he said. “While I have enjoyed my time as mayor, my family has suffered; and my family is my number one priority.

“I also believe strongly in a two-term limit for this position. Being in elected office should not be a career, things and people change and fresh ideas are needed. Many good things have happened during my time as mayor, and I believe the next administration will continue success and progress for the city of Dunkirk. In order for sustained growth for our city, our elected leaders need support from the entire community.”

Rosas began his municipal service as a councilman at-large in September 2014. After winning an uncontested election for the seat in November, he became the state’s first Hispanic mayor by defeating A.J. Dolce in a Democratic battle. In 2019, he defeated Shaun Heenan — who ran with a Republican endorsement — in a hotly contested race that did not get decided until absentee ballots were counted in Mayville.

“My heartfelt thanks go to my family, friends, and to all of those who have supported me during my time as mayor,” Rosas said. “I appreciate the support and I am humbled by your continued support and belief in me. However, it is time to hand over the keys.”