An attorney representing the City of Dunkirk received the unanimous endorsement to run for Chautauqua County Executive by the Chautauqua County Democratic Committee.
In a printed release this morning, the committee announced 45 year-old Richard Morrisroe as its candidate for the November 3rd election. Democratic Chairman Norm Green says --in addition-- District Attorney Patrick Swanson and 23rd Congressional District candidate Tracy Mitrano also received endorsements. Green says they are still on the lookout for a contender in the New York state Assembly. He says anyone interested in running can send a resume to CHQdem@gmail.com or call 499-9628.
A city man is jailed for allegedly holding a woman against her will... and trespassing during a domestic incident early Sunday morning on Jamestown's northside.
City police were called to an apartment at 101 Bush Street about 3:30 AM on a report of a person being hurt. Officers were told that the female victim was choked by 26 year-old Antonio Hall... and, she tried to escape... but Hall pulled her back inside. The woman was later able to get out, and run to her car. However... she was confronted by Hall, who then broke a mirror on the car with a hammer. The victim was able to flee to a Jefferson Street home, where Hall tried to force entry. Police, though, arrived and quickly arrested him with no further incident. Hall faces several charges... including second-degree unlawful imprisonment, and second-degree criminal trespass. He was jailed pending arraignment.
Hearings resume this week on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's $178-billion executive budget proposal... and local State Senator George Borrello is part of those discussions.
Borrello, who is a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Budget and Revenues, says one area that needs to change is school aid because he increased foundation aid... and reduced other areas. The Hanover Republican says another area that needs attention is infrastructure.
Borrello says that's not the way to deal with a $6.1-billion budget shortfall, nearly $4-billion of which is attributable to Medicaid. He says Cuomo should not be "proud" of the fact that that nearly one-third of New Yorkers -- six-million people -- are on the health care and social service program. Borrello says he does agree with govenor's creation of a Medicaid Redesign Team, but questions whether the panel will have enough time to do its work before the April 1st budget deadline.
Chautauqua County Four-H held its 8th annual Green Tie Affair Sunday night at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Four-H Educator, Kate Ewer, says 72 tables, around 500 guests, were there for dinner. The famous pie auction, handled by Mike and Dakota Peterson, raised over $10,000. Pete James of Chautauqua Transportation Services invested a total $2,900 in five pies at the auction. James says he met his late wife through Four-H, and really believes in the organization. The highest price for any pie was $1350, a red raspberry pie purchased by H & H Enterprises of Bemus Point. While the crowd was a little smaller than some years, Kate Ewer believes they have a good shot at making their $25,000 goal.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is keeping the $15-million in funding added last year for county Offices for the Aging in his new budget proposal.
However, more is need to significantly reduce the local waiting lists for home-aid services. That from Chautauqua County Office Director Mary Ann Spanos, who says the in-home aids are their most expensive program... but, it helps many seniors stay in their homes.
Spanos adds there is some concern about a few, smaller cuts in other areas. However, she says the state Offices for the Aging will need another $19-million to completely eliminate their wait lists state-wide. Spanos says it costs about $150,000 a year to keep each senior in a nursing home and, most people run out of what money they have quickly. After that, the cost is mostly picked up by Medicaid. However, Spanos says keeping a senior in their home -- on average -- only costs about $7,000 a year. She made her comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.
