A.J. Verel

 
Of the 11canidates seeking the South District Council seat vacated by Mickey Kearns, I thought kickboxer A.J. Verel was one of the most well spoken.  The City Hall Rooster tells me Verel is a good man, and that's good enough for me. I know there have been questions raised about his past, however, Verel has been fighting vigorously recently to protect his reputation. And I like anyone who takes on the Buffalo News and it's bought and paid for agenda. 

Verel's is an interesting story. He overcame some tough times in his youth to become a world champion kickboxer. Not that sports are everything, but I have to be impressed with anyone who makes it to the top of their profession. I don't think he should be dismissed so quickly. Hopefully, the powers-that-be will recognize the potential he has as a leader and work with him for the betterment of the community. This might not be his time, but I think his story should be heard. Unfortunately, Western New York is a tough climate for businessmen these days. New ideas have never been so badly needed. Verel seems to be motivated by his business interests, and he seems to have some creative ideas.


Meanwhile, and I don't blame him one bit, his attorney has contacted the Buffalo News demanding a retraction. If he was one of Brian Higgins' associates, the News would have steered clear of any negative press...

Dear Editor,  

The publishing or reproduction of a newspaper story without independent verification you are assuming that the story is true and accurate and you subject your organization to possible recourse if it is not true. I believe it to be unethical to publish any newspaper story without verifying its accuracy especially when the source it is allegedly obtained from no longer verifies it or carry’s a record of it. The reasonable possibility then exists that it may be a clerical error that has been remedied. In this case you were informed that the information was incorrect that you had in your possession and that measures were taken to address the issue.

Steven Doraki, Esq.

My advice to Verel: Keep fighting. The same attributes that made him a great kickboxer will help him in his professional career. It's tough being an outsider in a clique-laden community. Take it from someone who knows this firsthand...



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