✊ Demand a Full Investigation into Mayor Robert Restaino and His Administration To: Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, and all relevant state oversight agencies We, the concerned citizens and supporters of Niagara Falls, New York, are calling for a formal state-led investigation into the administration of Mayor Robert Restaino for alleged abuses of power, misuse of public funds, violations of the city charter, and systemic corruption. WHY WE’RE TAKING A STAND: Mayor Restaino’s leadership has repeatedly demonstrated a disregard for transparency, fairness, and the law. Over time, a growing list of actions and allegations have raised serious ethical and legal concerns, including: 🚨 ALLEGATIONS & VIOLATIONS: 1. Misuse of Federal Relief Funds (ARPA) Mayor Restaino redirected millions in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, canceling grant programs intended to support small businesses, minority entrepreneurs, and local recovery initiatives — especially in underserved neighborhoods. 2. Targeting Political Opponents & Businesses The Mayor has used his office to target community venues, like Shorty’s Patio Grill & Lounge, which host political or civic events not aligned with his agenda. Internal efforts have been made to create a paper trail of complaints to lobby state agencies to shut these businesses down — purely for political reasons. 3. Youth Services Dismantled Under Restaino’s administration, beloved youth programs like those at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion have been defunded or dismantled — while other non-priority initiatives like a privately run dog shelter received funding of questionable legality. 4. Forged Petition Signatures There are credible accusations that Restaino or his close political allies helped facilitate the forging of signatures to ensure preferred candidates made it onto local election ballots — a direct attack on the integrity of our democratic process. 5. Residency Law Violations Recently uncovered documents show that high-ranking members of the Mayor’s administration — including his own brother, City Administrator Anthony Restaino, and Planning Director Kevin Forma — do not legally reside in Niagara Falls, violating Section 2.4 of the Niagara Falls City Charter, which requires all appointed officers to be residents at the time of their appointment and throughout their tenure. No residency waivers were issued by City Council — making these appointments illegal and calling into question the legitimacy of decisions made under their authority. 🧾 WHAT WE’RE DEMANDING: We respectfully demand that the New York State Governor, Attorney General, and relevant oversight bodies: 1. Launch a full investigation into Mayor Restaino’s administration, including financial records, appointments, and past election practices. 2. Audit all ARPA fund allocations and related grant cancellations. 3. Review all city appointments for charter compliance, especially residency requirements. 4. Investigate any attempts to suppress political opposition through abuse of code enforcement or other administrative tactics. THIS ISN’T POLITICS. THIS IS ACCOUNTABILITY. This petition is not about party lines — it’s about restoring trust, transparency, and legality in the City of Niagara Falls. Our city deserves leadership that upholds the law, invests in our children, empowers our small businesses, and respects democratic values. If we allow these actions to go unchallenged, we risk enabling two more years of harm to our community and irreversible setbacks to our future. 🖊️ Join Us: • Sign the petition • Share it widely with family, neighbors, and community groups • Contact your elected officials and demand oversight Together, we can shine a light on injustice and take a stand for a better Niagara Falls