Full circle for John Flynn as he preps for Tonawanda supervisor

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WBEN)...A few weeks ago, two long time friends - Joe Emminger and John Flynn - went to dinner and then, a Sabres' game.

Much of the conversation focused on Flynn - the former Erie County District Attorney - replacing Emminger as Town of Tonawanda supervisor. Emminger retired from the supervisor's post earlier this month after serving more than 20 years as a councilman and supervisor.

While Emminger offered a crash course, it really wasn't necessary.

Flynn was - and is - well versed in all things Town of Tonawanda.

In Tonawanda, Flynn was a councilman, town attorney and town justice.

And, he spent eight years as Erie County district attorney before leaving the post in 2024 and joining the prominent Buffalo law firm Lippes Mathias LLP.

"Joe, pretty much, teed everything up for me," Flynn said. "All I had to do was pull out my driver and hit the ball."

Flynn has shifted from a full partner at Lippes Mathias to senior counsel. He will continue with the law firm, even as he juggles his supervisor's responsibilities..

"I can do both to a great degree," Flynn said.

Emminger has left Tonawanda in good shape.

The town's budget is solid. The school district's are strong.

Developers continue to work on projects - especially along Niagara Falls Boulevard, Sheridan Drive, Elmwood Avenue and Military Road.

Taiwan investors just paid $28 million for the former Sumitomo plant on Sheridan Drive and will be embarking on a long term plan to make it a hub of automotive industry-related firms.

And, the town is in the middle of a lengthy eminent doman process to acquire the former Huntley Power Plant on River Road.

Flynn talks about encouraging more development along Niagara River-fronting land on River Road, but also adding public access to large swaths of land.

"We're in the middle between what Buffalo is doing and what the City of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda are doing," Flynn said.

But, at the top of his list:

Keeping the town's residents and businesses safe.

"Public safety is paramount," Flynn said.