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Michelle Roman
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Michelle Roman (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) ran for election to the New York State Assembly to represent District 144. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Roman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Michelle Roman was born in Lockport, New York. She earned a high school diploma from Lockport Senior High School, an associate degree from Niagara County Community College in 1993, a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York, Brockport in 1997, and a graduate degree from the State University of New York, Buffalo in 2000. Her career experience includes working as a special education teacher.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: New York State Assembly elections, 2024
General election
General election for New York State Assembly District 144
Paul Bologna defeated Michelle Roman in the general election for New York State Assembly District 144 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Paul Bologna (R / Conservative Party) | 61.8 | 44,350 |
 | Michelle Roman (D / Working Families Party)  | 38.2 | 27,402 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.0 | 35 | ||
| Total votes: 71,787 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Michael J. Norris (R / Conservative Party)
- Wendi Szabo (L)
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Michelle Roman advanced from the Democratic primary for New York State Assembly District 144.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Michael J. Norris advanced from the Republican primary for New York State Assembly District 144.
Conservative Party primary election
The Conservative Party primary election was canceled. Incumbent Michael J. Norris advanced from the Conservative Party primary for New York State Assembly District 144.
Working Families Party primary election
The Working Families Party primary election was canceled. Michelle Roman advanced from the Working Families Party primary for New York State Assembly District 144.
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Roman in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Michelle Roman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Roman's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I was born & raised in Lockport, Niagara County as the youngest of nine children by Bill & Katie Richter. My husband & I have raised our sons in this community & want to continue to be a part of a thriving future. I am a special education teacher of over 25 years. I was the mayor of Lockport from 2019-2025 during which time we improved the City's finances through transparency & balanced budgeting, invested in the community through small business grants, first time home buyers grants, downtown revitalization initiatives, improved infrastructure- including streets, trees, water & sewer, supported our first responders with more personnel in fire, police, & public works, including the return of ambulance service, improved training for worker health & safety, collaborated with the county brownfield program, NYSDEC, & the federal EPA to clean-up major contamination in our land & water resources, settled 2 outstanding contracts, improved policies to improve the quality of life of residents & businesses from a noise ordinance to seasonal on-street parking, along with investing in our youth & park system. I am committed to our community demonstrated with my dedication to our VFW Auxiliary, parks and flowers, Barge Canal Optimist Club, Women's College Club, Niagara History Center, & countless volunteer hours for community events & organizations. My experience as mayor and teacher have prepared me to represent us.
- The community aims to secure representation in Albany to ensure their interests are considered in budget discussions and legislative matters like bail reform, education, and climate. They seek a representative with influence and common sense to address the needs of residents and businesses, advocating for reduced barriers to success and enhanced opportunities for growth, health, and safety in New York's 144th Assembly District. I believe with my experience as mayor of Lockport and as a veteran public education teacher, as well as community volunteer and advocate, I will amplify your voice and ensure that it is heard in Albany. As your Assemblyperson I pledge to be a tireless advocate for progress, equality, and prosperity.
- Empowerment through Education & Innovation: As an educator, I understand the transformative power of education. I will work with you to ensure that every child in our state has access to high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century economy. Our children are the future, and they deserve access to the highest quality education possible. I will prioritize funding for schools, support our teachers, and promote innovation in education for our children. Economic Empowerment and Opportunity for All: I will work tirelessly to revitalize our economy, with new opportunities for growth. By championing small businesses, including agribusinesses, investing in job training programs, and promoting sustainable growth.
- Public Health & Safety- I will work with you to improve access to healthcare, including ambulance service, address the root causes of crime, & support our first responders and volunteers. By investing in prevention & intervention programs, we can create a safer, healthier community for all. Access to affordable, quality services like healthcare, mental health, employment, & training services is a fundamental right regardless of where you live. Environmental Stewardship & Smart Growth: I will advocate for policies that preserve our natural resources & prepare our infrastructure to handle the increases in extreme weather incidents from floods & blizzards, windstorms, & more.
I have a strong commitment to various policy areas, including health and safety, support for first responders such as police, fire, public works, and healthcare workers, veterans' services and protections, economic growth including-environmental issues, community development, and smart growth. There is a necessity for legislative amendments to bail reform laws and the SAFE Act to enhance judicial control and promote responsible gun ownership without impeding on the rights of citizens. I also believe the green environment legislation needs to include ways to bridge the gap residents and businesses. Additionally, I advocate for revisions in education policies to better prepare students for the future.
I am inspired daily by my mother, Katie Richter. She is intelligent, compassionate, and models what being a good human looks like daily.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I think of my mother at the age of 23 in the 1950s with 5 children ages 5, 4, 3, and newborn with no vehicle and walking to the local grocer, doctor appointments, etc... while my father worked. If she could get through that with grace, I can get through whatever life throws at me. My mother went on to raise 9 children, of whom I am the youngest. She was always supportive, welcomed everyone in our home, encouraged and modeled learning, and commitment to community. My other inspiration was my father, Bill Richter who passed 25 years ago. My father dedicated his life to providing for our family. He worked for GM for over 40 years. He would have side jobs like painting, shoe salesman, and picked apples and potatoes on local farms with the children. My father served in the Korean conflict as an Airborne, Rakkasan prior to marrying my mother. After they had their 6th child, my father was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He lived with this mental health issue while continuing to raise a family, work for GM, and volunteer in the community as commander of the VFW, a member of the American Legion, Jaycees, and more. Both of my parents modeled hard work, commitment to family and community. These are lessons I continue to live by.
Unfortunately in our current system of politics and government we have a two party system. This creates an environment of divisiveness that is not productive or beneficial to our residents. I believe that an elected official, especially once elected, must take their oath of office seriously and represent everyone in their constituency. This is not just a platitude. As the first democratic mayor for the city of Lockport in decades, I had to work with a full council of Republicans, a majority Republican county legislature, and Republican state and federal representatives in the state senate & assembly, US House of Representatives. We were able to achieve many great initiatives, projects, and policies resulting in positive benefits for our community, because I believe in common sense, common ground, compromise, and doing the right thing to improve the quality of life for our residents crosses party lines. An elected official must have integrity, honesty, humility, have the ability to compromise for the greater good, and be as transparent as possible with the public throughout the decision making process, including involving the public incorporating their input whenever possible.
An elected official representing constituents in the NYS Assembly has a duty to their constituents, advocate for them, and support them and navigate through governmental processes. They have a duty to bring their voice to Albany during the legislative process and represent their interests in the budget process, including being a fiscally responsible watchdog on their behalf. Assembly members need to be a liaison between local, state, and federal agencies to ensure smooth transitions and support occur for their region. Assembly members need to be strong communicators with their communities about what is happening statewide that impacts their lives.
I remember President Carter speaking about the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. I was 8 years old.
My first job was picking apples and potatoes as a child with my family. I also would babysit for many families from the age of 12. I was a dishwasher at a family restaurant, as well when I was 15-18. My first official job was in food service at our Lockport Memorial Hospital while I was in high school. I started as the dishwasher and would deliver the food to patients. I worked my way working in the cafeteria and working the grill, then being a line cook. I have been a hostess and a waitress at local restaurants and at NCCC for catering events. I then worked for a daycare that I did student teaching at for my AAS in human services and early childhood education at NCCC, as well as for an organization for adults with disabilities while earning my BS at SUNY Brockport. I have worked a summer job with GM-UAW Quality Educator program at the power engine plant creating a training matrix for all positions dealing with an engine line and summer jobs working construction and KMart in the gardening section. I worked at DeSales Catholic School as student support services, then Lockport City Schools as an aide at the alternative high school, a teaching assistant running the math lab at North Park, now Aaron Mossell, while completing my MS degree from SUNY Buffalo State. Once I completed my MS in exceptional education I have worked in multiple rural school districts as a special education teacher for grades Pre-k-2 for five years, then moved to special education for grades 7-10 twenty years ago at Holley Central School District, in which I currently teach grades 10-12. I also served as the dually elected mayor for the city of Lockport from January 2019-December 2023.
I believe all of my various job experiences have given me insights into not only myself, but my community and has allowed me wonderful opportunities for growth and developing relationships with a diverse group of people.
I believe all of my various job experiences have given me insights into not only myself, but my community and has allowed me wonderful opportunities for growth and developing relationships with a diverse group of people.
I have always loved Dante's Inferno- The Divine Comedy, since I read it in high school for a world literature course. I found his concept of afterlife intriguing and how the levels were conceived based on the human experience.
The governor is the executive of the state, while the state legislature legislates. The legislature is tasked with being a check on the governor, as they represent constituents that are directly impacted by decisions made by the governor. The legislature is tasked with compromise when benefits the good of the whole, but also to question and advocate for their constituents when necessary.
The Challenge of Leadership: New York State is at a critical juncture, facing challenges that demand bold, compassionate leadership, and innovative solutions. From economic recovery, education, healthcare, infrastructure improvement, and smart community development, we have a responsibility to ensure that every person in the 144th District has the opportunity to thrive.
With great enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility, I am eager to share my vision for our community, and my commitment to serving each and every one of you. As your Assemblyperson I pledge to be a tireless advocate for progress, equality, and prosperity. As your Assemblyperson, I will be able to have a real seat at the table when decisions are made about the state budgets, funding education, economic development, public services, and state laws. I will be able to be a voice for you that will be heard in Albany.
With great enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility, I am eager to share my vision for our community, and my commitment to serving each and every one of you. As your Assemblyperson I pledge to be a tireless advocate for progress, equality, and prosperity. As your Assemblyperson, I will be able to have a real seat at the table when decisions are made about the state budgets, funding education, economic development, public services, and state laws. I will be able to be a voice for you that will be heard in Albany.
I believe that having experience working within governmental systems is beneficial as a state assembly member. My experience as the mayor of the City of Lockport gives me the distinction of being able to understand my community's needs while knowing which governmental agencies and elected officials will be most beneficial in getting their needs met. As a public school teacher, I understand the needs of my students, their families, and communities and I know how to advocate for them at the state level to bring resources that directly result in positive outcomes for students. Being involved in government and public service is beneficial to being a productive, efficient legislator.
As a mayor, you must work with public workers, fellow elected leaders, community organizations, business owners, volunteers, community members, and government agencies. You cannot achieve enduring policies that meet the needs of the people without building relationships and this will be critical with fellow legislators.
I do not have aspirations to seek higher office at this time.
As a special education teacher I have worked with thousands of students of their families over the decades. I have had a student who lived in a trailer in a rural district with two families. They did not have running water and she would have to trek over a mile to creek to access water. Another student was referred to me for special education designation, but after investigating the student's situation it became apparent she was tired. As a first grade student, she was the oldest of her three siblings. Her single parent mom was running their small dairy farm and needed her to take care of her brothers and sisters during milking times. As mayor, I met people who lost everything in a fire and had to start over, I met people who had dealt with catastrophic loss from major flooding, as well as people who lost loved ones due to overdose. I met people who were building their futures and starting their own businesses and are still going strong today. I met people who invest their time and resources in bettering our community and enriching the lives of their neighbors. As a VFW auxiliary member I have spoken with veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, Gulf War, War on Terrorism, Afghanistan, and Iraq who share their experiences of re-entry into our community and unique skills they bring to strengthen our community, as well as the resources they need for a hand up. All of these stories bring home to me how much more needs to be done and how we can support one another with a hand up, not a hand out. Every voice matters and every voice has a right to be heard.
Women's TAP, CWA, UAW, NYSUT
Education, mental health, transportation, environmental conservation, energy, people with disabilities, local governments, agriculture economic development and farmland protection, ethics and oversight
I fully believe that government by the people and for the people is only truly achieved through transparency and accountability. As mayor of the City of Lockport I opened up all council meetings and work sessions to be televised on local cable television, saved for people to watch as they have time and for access. I expanded that to both planning board and zoning board of appeals meetings and any major public discussion impacting our community at large. I created a financial portal with our director of finance that included access to view the bills and revenue, opened up the budget process and included specific items into the budget for the public to have access and understanding of the process. We shared union contracts on the website, along with meeting minutes and agendas to reduce the need for FOIL requests. We held community forums on community policing, ambulance service, infrastructure capacity and needs of our water and wastewater systems. Expanded opportunities for public comment. I not only say I support and believe in transparency and accountability, but I have a record of doing it.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 3, 2024
Current members of the New York State Assembly
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Carl Heastie
Representatives
District 1
Thomas Schiavoni (D)
District 2
Jodi Giglio (R)
District 3
Joseph DeStefano (R)
District 4
Rebecca Kassay (D)
District 5
Doug Smith (R)
District 6
Philip Ramos (D)
District 7
Jarett Gandolfo (R)
District 8
District 9
Michael Durso (R)
District 10
Steve Stern (D)
District 11
Kwani O'Pharrow (D)
District 12
Keith Brown (R)
District 13
Charles Lavine (D)
District 14
David McDonough (R)
District 15
Jake Blumencranz (R)
District 16
Daniel Norber (R)
District 17
John Mikulin (R)
District 18
Noah Burroughs (D)
District 19
Edward Ra (R)
District 20
Eric Brown (R)
District 21
Judy Griffin (D)
District 22
District 23
Stacey Amato (D)
District 24
David Weprin (D)
District 25
Nily Rozic (D)
District 26
District 27
Sam Berger (D)
District 28
Andrew Hevesi (D)
District 29
Alicia Hyndman (D)
District 30
Steven Raga (D)
District 31
Khaleel Anderson (D)
District 32
Vivian Cook (D)
District 33
Clyde Vanel (D)
District 34
District 35
Larinda Hooks (D)
District 36
Zohran Mamdani (D)
District 37
Claire Valdez (D)
District 38
Jenifer Rajkumar (D)
District 39
Catalina Cruz (D)
District 40
Ron Kim (D)
District 41
Kalman Yeger (D)
District 42
District 43
Brian Cunningham (D)
District 44
Robert Carroll (D)
District 45
Michael Novakhov (R)
District 46
District 47
William Colton (D)
District 48
District 49
Lester Chang (R)
District 50
Emily Gallagher (D)
District 51
Marcela Mitaynes (D)
District 52
Jo Simon (D)
District 53
Maritza Davila (D)
District 54
Erik Dilan (D)
District 55
Latrice Walker (D)
District 56
Stefani Zinerman (D)
District 57
District 58
District 59
Jaime Williams (D)
District 60
Nikki Lucas (D)
District 61
Charles Fall (D)
District 62
Michael Reilly (R)
District 63
Samuel Pirozzolo (R)
District 64
District 65
Grace Lee (D)
District 66
Deborah Glick (D)
District 67
Linda Rosenthal (D)
District 68
Eddie Gibbs (D)
District 69
Micah Lasher (D)
District 70
Jordan Wright (D)
District 71
Alfred Taylor (D)
District 72
District 73
Alex Bores (D)
District 74
Harvey Epstein (D)
District 75
Tony Simone (D)
District 76
District 77
Landon Dais (D)
District 78
George Alvarez (D)
District 79
Chantel Jackson (D)
District 80
John Zaccaro (D)
District 81
Jeffrey Dinowitz (D)
District 82
District 83
Carl Heastie (D)
District 84
Amanda Septimo (D)
District 85
Emerita Torres (D)
District 86
Yudelka Tapia (D)
District 87
Karines Reyes (D)
District 88
Amy Paulin (D)
District 89
J. Pretlow (D)
District 90
Nader Sayegh (D)
District 91
Steven Otis (D)
District 92
Maryjane Shimsky (D)
District 93
Chris Burdick (D)
District 94
Matthew Slater (R)
District 95
Dana Levenberg (D)
District 96
Patrick Carroll (D)
District 97
Aron Wieder (D)
District 98
Karl Brabenec (R)
District 99
District 100
Paula Kay (D)
District 101
Brian Maher (R)
District 102
District 103
District 104
District 105
Anil Beephan (R)
District 106
Didi Barrett (D)
District 107
Scott Bendett (R)
District 108
John McDonald (D)
District 109
Gabriella Romero (D)
District 110
Phil Steck (D)
District 111
District 112
Mary Walsh (R)
District 113
Carrie Woerner (D)
District 114
Matthew Simpson (R)
District 115
Vacant
District 116
Scott Gray (R)
District 117
District 118
Robert Smullen (R)
District 119
District 120
William Barclay (R)
District 121
Joe Angelino (R)
District 122
Brian Miller (R)
District 123
Donna Lupardo (D)
District 124
District 125
Anna Kelles (D)
District 126
John Lemondes (R)
District 127
Al Stirpe (D)
District 128
Pamela Hunter (D)
District 129
District 130
Brian Manktelow (R)
District 131
Jeff Gallahan (R)
District 132
Philip Palmesano (R)
District 133
Andrea Bailey (R)
District 134
Josh Jensen (R)
District 135
District 136
Sarah Clark (D)
District 137
Demond Meeks (D)
District 138
Harry Bronson (D)
District 139
Stephen Hawley (R)
District 140
William Conrad (D)
District 141
District 142
Patrick Burke (D)
District 143
District 144
Paul Bologna (R)
District 145
Angelo Morinello (R)
District 146
Karen McMahon (D)
District 147
David DiPietro (R)
District 148
Joe Sempolinski (R)
District 149
Jonathan Rivera (D)
District 150
Andrew Molitor (R)
Democratic Party (102)
Republican Party (47)
Vacancies (1)
