Dennis T. Gorski
| Dennis T. Gorski | |
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| 5th Erie County Executive | |
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In office 1988–1999 |
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| Preceded by | Ed Rutkowski |
| Succeeded by | Joel Giambra |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 146th, later the 143rd district |
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In office 1975–1987 |
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| Preceded by | Alan J. Justin |
| Succeeded by | Paul Tokasz |
| Member of the Erie County Legislature from the 3rd District |
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In office 1972–1974 |
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| Preceded by | Frank C. Ludera |
| Succeeded by | William Stachowski |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 20, 1944 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Jo (Craven) |
| Children | 5 (two adopted) as of 1990 |
| Residence | Cheektowaga, New York |
| Alma mater | LeMoyne College, 1966 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Marines |
| Years of service | 1967–1969 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | United States Marines |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Dennis T. Gorski (born July 20, 1944) is a politician in New York and a former Marine. A resident of Cheektowaga, New York, Gorski is a former County Executive of Erie County, New York, which includes Buffalo, New York and many of its suburbs. He was the first Democrat elected Erie County Executive and the first Erie County Executive elected to three four-year terms. Gorski was an Erie County Legislator and a member of the New York State Assembly prior to three-term service as county executive. During his second term as County Executive, he ran for Congress to succeed Democrat Henry Nowak, but he was defeated in the general election by Republican Jack Quinn.
Like many Buffalo Democrats, including Buffalo Mayors Anthony Masiello and James D. Griffin, Gorski was known for being more conservative than the mainstream Democratic Party platform, and was regularly cross-endorsed by the Conservative Party of New York. As county executive, he rivaled his contemporary Buffalo Mayors and on some issues his contemporary New York State Governors in power: He succeeded in bringing the World University Games to Buffalo, and since the National Football League Buffalo Bills play in suburban Orchard Park, New York it was his responsibility to broker a deal to keep the team from leaving town. He also helped the National Hockey League Buffalo Sabres finance Marine Midland Arena (now known as KeyBank Center). During his early years he brought about economic recovery and kept the county on solid financial footing during his tenure. He has been described as the only County Executive to balance the budget. Gorski is a Vietnam War veteran and remained active in Veteran's affairs while in office.
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