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The Griffin

A Candidate of Our Own: My Dad & Me

By: Ryan Harrington


This coming Tuesday, Nov. 5, the United States will hold one of the most impactful elections of our generation. Blessed as we are in this country, we have the opportunity and the obligation to raise our voices for the never-guaranteed future. 


While the presidential race is crucial, the election does not stop after you check the first box. State and local elections are just as important, if not more for our everyday lives. 


One of these local races has a surprising connection to Canisius: family court. Kara Buscaglia, (D), Peter Vasilion (R) and Jeffrey Harrington (D) battle for two newly created seats. While Harrington himself did not graduate from Canisius, the name might sound familiar because he is married to a Griffin and the father of three more: Jane Michalek Harrington ‘95, Olivia Harrington ‘22, Grace Harrington ‘23, and Ryan Harrington, me! I personally think that is enough to make him an honorary Griffin. 


Family court, for those who don’t know, services families and attends to any domestic legal matters that might arise. The judges see abuse, custody, neglect and adoption cases. While not a high-profile position, it is important nonetheless.


As his son, I am biased in favor of Harrington, but I think it is important for Canisius students to be aware of the plain factual details of our own candidate. Jeff Harrington has worked as an attorney in family court for over 25 years, longer than either of his opponents. As an ‘assigned counsel’ lawyer, my father acted on some of the most difficult multi-year cases, and for people unable to afford their own representation. 


This summer, my father had surgery on his shoulder and I accompanied him to assist.  He was in pain, but recognized the importance of his job to the people of Buffalo. Abused or neglected children or parents battling for custody don’t take sick days, so neither would he. Throughout the day I was filled with pride as countless attorneys, judges, and assistants told me stories of my father’s work.


Initially, it only looked like the state was going to create one seat, so I had the dissatisfaction of watching my father learn that despite his superior qualifications, he was not the chosen candidate for his dream job. Through it all he never lost heart, never burned bridges and when the time came was selected immediately when the new position was created. 


Since then, I have watched him all along the campaign trail. From the East Side’s Funk Fest to South Buffalo’s Irish Festival, he’s interacted with thousands of people in our Buffalo community, and we’ve learned so much about the city that we love. 


Many Canisius students are eligible to head out to the polls next week, and it’s important for us to be educated voters. We cannot be passive observers in this country – Canisius is where leaders are made. 


I am not asking you to vote because he’s my father. I’m not asking you to vote for him at all, though I’d very much like you to. What I am asking is that you pay attention to the many impactful decisions happening around us and take advantage of your civic responsibility to secure your own future.  

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