B. John Tutuska

B. John Tutuska
2nd Erie County Executive
In office 1969–1971
Preceded by	Edward C. Rath
Succeeded by	Edward V. Regan
47th Sheriff of Erie County, New York
In office 1959–1969
Preceded by	Robert A. Glasser
Succeeded by	Thomas W. Ryan
Personal details
Born	December 4, 1911
Died	July 30, 1993
Political party	Republican

B. John Tutuska (December 4, 1911 – July 30, 1993) was the second County Executive in Erie County, New York, serving from 1969-71. The Depew, New York-born Tutuska succeeded Edward C. Rath in 1969 after Rath died in office. Prior to being appointed County Executive, Tutuska served as Erie County Sheriff from 1959-69.

Biography

Tutuska defeated then Common Council member Stanley M. Makowski, future mayor of Buffalo, New York in a special election held on November 4, 1969, 55% - 45%. During that election, a major campaign issue was the claim by Makowski that Tutuska was responsible for the failed Buffalo Bills domed stadium project. Tutuska was the endorsed GOP candidate for reelection in 1971 when he suffered a heart attack. While he was recuperating from his heart attack he was challenged to a primary election by Ned Regan. Rather than run in the primary, he withdrew from the race and the GOP nomination went to Regan, who subsequently defeated Frank A. Sedita, mayor of Buffalo, in the general election. ^[1][2]

References

1. Profile, highbeam.com; accessed October 27, 2014.
2. Profile, socialarchive.iath.virginia.edu; accessed October 27, 2014.