City Council may or may not take a position on possible sale of Prendergast Library artwork; but, as an individual, Council President urges board to reconsider...
The head of the Jamestown City Council says the panel may decide to take a position on the possible sale of artwork at the Prendergast Library to help ease a budget shortfall. However... Council President Greg Rabb says -- while the city appropriate's a large amount of money to the library each year -- they have no control over who is on it's board... nor the decisions they make. Two residents who are part of a social media movement called "Save the Art..." urged lawmakers last night to tell the library board they oppose any sale. Rabb says he doesn't know if there will be any vote on making a recommendation to the board. But, as an individual resident... Rabb says he's also concerned about some of the library's art work... some of which was donated... being sold off. He calls it the art collection "an asset..." and, that in the long run you don't "sell your assets." The library receives the largest amount of funding to an "outside agency" from the city. But... Rabb says -- given the city's financial position -- they can't afford anymore than they already provide. This past year... the city of Jamestown doled out about $340,000 to the library. That's down about $30,000 from what they gave the institution several years ago. He adds the city would never tie funding to the board's decision about the artwork.
Two residents approach City lawmakers to ask support for not selling the artwork at the library...
Two Jamestown residents involved in a Facebook page that calls for saving the paintings and other art at the Prendergast Library are urging city lawmakers to support them. Diane Soule told the city council at last night's work session that they're concerned that the library board isn't being open about possibly selling some of those works. Library officials say they're still trying to close a $186,000 deficit from the beginning of the year. Soule says the public needs to know what's going on... and, right now their "not seeing transparency," though it's been promised. Soule says they're learned that many people -- both here and out-of-town -- are aware of the collection and concerned about it's status. However... many others don't. Another resident... Lilly Grice... says they understand that half of the "Heritage Collection" the library could be sold. However, she believes there are other ways to make up the current budget gap... but, the board hasn't looked into them. The library board meets this Thursday at Noon.
County Democrats endorse Foley and Plumb to run for County Court Judge, and Congress, respectively...
The Chautauqua County Democratic Committee has cross-endorsed District Attorney David Foley to be the next county court judge. They have also voted to endorse Lakewood's John Plumb to run next year for the 23rd Congressional District seat. Democrat Committee Chairman Norm Green says the committee's decision to back Foley comes on the heals of current Judge John Ward's recent retirement. Foley... who's from the town of Portland... has served as county District Attorney since 2005. A registered Republican, he has been re-elected twice with multi-party support. Plumb, a Lakewood resident, is a fourth-generation western New Yorker and Naval Reserve Commander. He was born in Jamestown... and raised in Randolph. Plumb has spent the past two decades in military and public service.
Candidates determined in Fredonia village mayor race...
A former mayor will be squaring-off against a first-time candidate in November for mayor of Fredonia. Michael Sullivan, a practicing attorney, will be seeking his old office. Sullivan will face a challenge from Dr. Athanasia Landis who received the backing of Democrats. That from current Mayor Steve Keefe, who is also a Democrat. Keefe says Landis is a physician who no longer practices... but, he says her ability to diagnose and treat problems is very good. Sullivan has the backing of both Republicans and the Independence Party. He says the village is facing some difficult challenges, especially with the closing of Carriage House. Sullivan says the village needs to cut spending, and seek regional solutions. Dr. Landis is a wife, and, a mother of five and has lived in the village for the past 23 years.
Reed in Fredonia to view LoGuidice BOCES Center's P-Tech program...
Chautauqua County's Congressman was in the north county yesterday afternoon to learn about a high school technology program that helps students go to a community college for free. Corning Republican Tom Reed was on hand to learn about the Erie-2, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus BOCES P-Tech Program at the LoGuidice Center in Fredonia. Reed says he had heard of P-Tech... and, wanted to learn more about it from the students... and, teachers who are directly involved. Reed says P-Tech is "arming our students of today" with the science, technology and math backgrounds they'll need to help advanced manufacturing in the U-S to compete globally "going forward." He's been a strong backer of advanced manufacturing legislation... and, says if you want to advance the issue, you need to talk to the instructors, and students on the front lines.
