By Darlene Brace
On January 1, 2024, Mike Ferguson was inaugurated as the new Mayor of Fredonia, NY. Let’s get to know Mike Ferguson a little better and see what plans he has for Fredonia.
Mike Ferguson has lived in the Fredonia community for over thirty years. He has worked in various capacities across the county. He recently retired from his full-time job as the Regional Sales and Marketing Director of Fredonia Place and Fredonia Place of Williamsville, after working there for over 13 years. In the fall, Mike was voted as the new mayor of Fredonia. As the new mayor, he said, “It’s an honor to be elected to do public service, and my mission is to improve the quality of life for the whole community, as well as nearby communities.”
He also said that Fredonia has a historic Victorian type of infrastructure and has always been an agricultural community. He said that he feels it’s important to maintain and preserve the history of the community, but also modernize it at the same time. Finding a balance between the two can be a challenge. He said, “We have a great board of trustees that loves our community. Together we will work hard to see the community prosper and grow and find that balance.”
The new mayor, along with this devoted team, will be tackling some other challenges for the Fredonia community. Mike said that Fredonia has three major existing issues that will be addressed in the upcoming term. The first issue is the Fredonia water problem. For years there has been inconsistent water quality for the Fredonia area residents and businesses. Recently there was discussion on different solutions to this problem. It was discussed whether the current water system should be restored, or if they would look for new avenues as a solution. After much discussion, the current projected solution is to purchase water from Dunkirk and the use of Lake Erie. Other solutions may still be considered.
The second issue has to do with the hospital. As of right now, the plan is to have a new hospital built in Fredonia that will replace Brooks Hospital in Dunkirk. This new hospital would benefit the community in many ways and would continue to employ area residents. New hospital plans have yet to be determined.
The third area of concern is SUNY Fredonia State. In recent times, Fredonia State’s enrollment has been decreasing. Mike said, “There needs to be research and solutions implemented that will increase student enrollment. SUNY Fredonia is one of the biggest employers in the community, and we need to do whatever we can to increase the student population.”
To find workable solutions for these issues and others that may arise, Mike said he feels that the work needs to be considered as intermunicipal projects and events. Mike stated, “No matter what the issue is, it does not only effect Fredonia. I hope to work hand in hand with the surrounding communities for the common good.”
Along with tackling some serious topics, Mike stated he feels that Fredonia has a great community base. He said that this is evident in the participation of the community in the festivals and events that happen in Fredonia throughout the year. When discussing upcoming events, Mike said, “Festivals Fredonia is planning seven or eight big events this year, as they did last year. We are also working closely with a new foundation called Embrace Fredonia. Embrace Fredonia is a nonprofit organization that does fundraising and gives support in various ways to the Fredonia community. This year they held a big trivia event, and they helped raise money for new Christmas decorations that were displayed around the village.” Mike also stated that together, they are hoping to plan a big event for the eclipse in April, as well as continuing with the farm festival and other events that have been successful in the past.
Mike said, “I am not here to rule over or micromanaged the community. I am here to be a leader for the community and help bring positive changes to Fredonia and its neighboring communities. I am here at the will of the people. They voted me in, hoping that good things were going to come. I believe that together, we have the ability to make that happen.”