Robert "Bob" Reynolds is one of a new breed of Legislators elected to serve Erie County for the 2006-2008 term. A life long resident of the South Towns, Bob explains that he decided to make the leap from private citizen to public servant for one essential reason. "As a result of the budget disaster and the related problems that we in Erie County have endured over the last two years, I felt it was important to restore a true sense of pride, leadership and integrity to both the Legislature and to our community. And now, as the newly elected legislative representative for the 12th District, I am dedicated to achieving those goals."
Bob's professional background includes 30 years as an employee of the Ford Motor Company, most of which he has spent as a Machine Repairman on the shop floor. Additionally Bob has served as a long time leader in the United Auto Workers Union, both of which uniquely qualify him to deal with the complex economic and political problems currently facing Erie County. Further, through his community involvement as a member of the Hamburg Central School Board, The Town of Hamburg Planning Board, The Hamburg United Council Taxpayer Association, and the Scranton/McKinley Taxpayer Association Bob is equipped with a well rounded ability to understand constituent's problems, concerns and needs.
"I believe that both my professional and volunteer work experiences have allowed me to develop the necessary problem solving and leadership skills needed to address problems in the 12th District, and across Erie County. And so I am able and ready to join with my legislative colleagues in undertaking the needed reform and revitalization to make Erie County a better place for ourselves, for our children, and future generations to come."
Bob, who has three daughters, lives in Hamburg with his wife, Diane, and their youngest daughter, Catherine. Diane is an active community volunteer, currently serving as the President of the Hamburg Central School PTA. Catherine is in her junior year at Hamburg High school, while Holly works in Albany and his oldest daughter Jennifer lives with her husband, Mike, in NJ.
During his first legislative term, Bob will serve as a member of the Public Safety, Government Affairs and Economic Development Legislative Committees. In addition, Bob also intends to spend a significant amount of time in the towns and villages that comprise the 12th district. "I want to continue to get out and meet the people that I represent; find out exactly what it is they need and want in their communities. I also look forward to providing my constituents with regular opportunities to meet with me and get to know me. I firmly believe that our ability to work together as a community is the only way that we can build a better quality of life in both our district and our county."
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Democratic Party zone committee person (1999-2006)
Hamburg Central School board member (2004-present)
Town of Hamburg Planning Board member (2004-2005)
Hamburg Central PTA member
Member Town of Hamburg Police "Who Does What" Study (2004)
Vice President of Scranton/McKinley Taxpayers Association (1999 -2006)
Vice President of United Council Taxpayers Association (2000-2006)
Past member of The Committee to Re-elect Assemblyman Dick Smith (3 Terms)
SERVICE RELATED ACTIVITIES
Vice President of UAW Local 897 (Since 2002)
Hourly Coordinator of Ford Total Productive Maintenance Program (Since 2004)
Coordinator for UAW/Ford Apprenticeship Diversity Program (1999-2001)
Editor of UAW Local 897 Press (1996-1999)
District Committee person for Local 897 (1992-1996)
Vice President of UAW Region 9 Skilled Trades (since 2002)
Delegate for 33rd UAW National Convention (June, 2002)
Skilled Trades delegate for National UAW (1990-1999)
UAW Local 897 resolution committeeperson (1989-present)
Chairman UAW Local 897 resolution committee (1996-2002)
National Skilled Trades resolution committeeperson (1995)
Committee Chairman UAW Local 897 Labor Day parade (1996-1998)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Active member of United Auto Workers (UAW) Union (1976-to present)
Member of UAW-LUPA Association (1996 – 1999)
AWARDS
UAW International Award for "1998 UAW-LUPA Journalistic Excellence"
Region 9 UAW "Political Award" - for for outstanding commitment and dedication to the UAW and the community
Region 9 UAW Community Action Program "2004 Citizenship Award" – for outstanding commitment and dedication to the UAW and the community