Kota is a lifelong village resident, having been born and raised in Gowanda. He attended school in the Gowanda school system and was also employed there prior to working for the State of New York.

     His interest in the village began in 1975 when he served as building inspector and code enforcement officer. He was liaison to the water and sewer departments for over 10 years and also served as fire commissioner. During his first terms in elective office, his tenure spanned several years, serving in office off and on from 1975 to 2002.

     Kota’s accomplishments as liaison to the water and sewer departments included the upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant, the expansion of the composting site, overseeing upgrades to the water system on Crestwood Drive, and also on Point Peter Road. He assisted with the acquisition of funding from New York State to provide both sewer lines and service to the Department of Corrections.

     He states, “I take great pride in my community and I have the best interest of the village residents at heart. I served my country in the Korean Conflict and I serve my community as a volunteer in the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department. I ask the residents when voting to consider my experience, availability, and ability to serve.”

     In April of 1995, Kota retired from Buffalo State University College. He has been a constable for the Town of Persia for 23 years and a volunteer firefighter for over 50 years.

     He is a member of St. Joseph’s Church, American Legion Post 409, the Slovenian Club of Gowanda, the Gowanda Fire Department color guard and marching unit, and the Gowanda Moose.

     He resides on Beech Street with his wife, Shirley. They have two daughters, Debra DiBlasi and Terri DeHos, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.