“It’s the competition of ideas, not the politics of personal destruction.”

It’s pretty clear that some are in politics strictly for the glory of the game, for the battle or the prize…However, Niagara County Republican Chairman Henry Wojtaszek contends that his involvement in the political world traces its roots to a much deeper commitment, one that dates back to the politically oppressed world of a small Polish town called Kielce, not far from Cracow. To a time when young men and women gave up everything they knew for a single flimsy chance at a phantom shimmering in the night at the end of an endless ocean known as Freedom.

“My grandfather had come over from Poland because he wanted his family to grow up in freedom,” Wojtaszek recalls. “I was the eighth of twelve children. My father often had to work two jobs to support us. Yet, he always took the time to get involved in politics and to encourage us to get involved when we grew up. In fact, he was one of the founders of the Conservative Party in Niagara County. ‘This is why we came here,’ my grandfather would say. ‘Because people here have freedom.’ That’s why I feel it’s an honor to serve as Niagara County Chairman as a volunteer, since the job doesn’t pay anything. It’s especially important to me because we in our family can recall times when we didn’t have such a privilege.”

Perhaps these are among the reasons Wojtaszek remains a rising star, both within the New York State Republican Party and in regional politics in general. Still, he attributes his success as much to his political philosphy as to his personal qualities.

“For me the important thing is the Republican philosophy of less government and less taxation that is the key,” he insists. “For me it’s about the competition of ideas, not the politics of personal destruction.”

This latter point is a vital part of the world view of a partisan political figure who has many friends on the other side.

“I do have many friends who are Democrats,” Chairman Wojtaszek readily acknowledges. “In fact, my wife, Caroline, is a Democrat. I respect those on the other side. I respect anyone who gets involved in the political process because I know how difficult it can be.”

As GOP Chairman, he heaps praise on local Republican leaders such as NYS Senator George Maziarz.

“There is nothing Senator Maziarz wouldn’t do for his constituents,” the Chairman points out. “That story about him driving all night so that the parents of a wounded soldier could visit him in German is typical.”

Born and raised in North Tonawanda, Wojtaszek became interested in the law while attending Buff State. He went to University of Dayton Law School and then practiced in the US Navy Jag Corps for four years. Once back home, he ran for North Tonawanda City Attorney and promptly lost by 700 votes.

“Then I ran again in 1993 and lost again by 1.500 votes,” he remembers. “I figured that was it! No more politics for me. Then I was talked into running in ‘97 and beat a 12 year incumbent. I’ve been in politics ever since.”

Married for ten years to Caroline, an asst. Niagara County DA who has handled the jurisdiction’s worst child abuse cases in between tending to two children of her own, Henry’s full time job is as a practicing attorney for the prestigious Buffalo law firm, Harris Beach.

“I love this area and I’m going to stay here,” he stoutly insists. “I’m going to raise my family here and I hope my children can stay here. My only goal for being in public life in WNY is to make things better for all of us.”