Wendel announces run for re-election this November...
Chautauqua County's top-elected official has announced that he's seeking re-election to a second, 4-year term in office.  In a printed statement issued late Tuesday... County Executive P-J Wendel said -- "for the past four years... it's been an honor and a privilege to serve as your County Executive, and I am pleased to announce that I will be running again."  He added that "together, we are creating a stronger economy, a stronger community, and a better place to raise a family right here in Chautauqua County."  The Lakewood Republican says he's proud of what we have already accomplished, but there is still much work to do."  He touted the ability to reduce the county's tax rate every year since he took office... improving services... and presiding over a time where businesses investment has totaled more than $1.5-billion.  Wendel was appointed in January of 2020 to fill out the remaining term of former Executive, now State Senator, George Borrello.  He was then successfully elected into the position during the November 2020 election... and, was re-elected again in November 2021. 

Rushdie provides graphic detail of attack on stage at Chautauqua...
On the second-day of testimony in the case against the man who allegedly tried to kill him at Chautauqua Institution two-years ago... Author Salman Rushdie took the stand.  Testifying for the prosecution... Rushdie described in graphic detail the frenzied moments in 2022 when a masked man rushed at him on the amphitheater stage... and repeatedly slashed him with a knife, leaving him with terrible injuries and fearful he would die.  Rushdie took the stand during the trial of 27 year-old Hadi Matar, who has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault in the attack that also wounded another man.  It was the first time since the stabbing that the 77-year-old author found himself in the same room as the man accused of trying to kill him.  Rushdie recalled feeling "a sense of great pain and shock, and aware of the fact that there was an enormous quantity of blood that I was lying in" after the attack.  He says the people who subdued his assailant likely saved his life.
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Assistant Public Defender Lynn Schaffer, who is representing Matar, began the cross examination by asking the Booker Prize-winning author about his career.  The questioning was brief, low-key and for a moment friendly.  The only hint at a possible defense strategy was a question about whether trauma can affect memories.  No one asked Rushdie to identify his attacker in court and he declined to be interviewed as he left the courthouse after about an hour of testimony. 

City man arrested following weekend domestic dispute on westside...
A Jamestown man has been arrested after allegedly punching a hole in a wall during a domestic dispute on the city's westside last Sunday night.  Jamestown police were called to the scene about 8 p.m., and, spoke with the victim.  After further investigation... they arrested 37 year-old Timothy Press for fourth-degree criminal mischief for punching the wall inside the residence.  He was taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

Borrello says HEAT Act likely to be reintroduced this year, and may be taken up by Assembly...
A bill designed toward pushing New York State to transition away from natural gas has been reintroduced in the State Senate.  The New York Home Energy Affordable Transition -- or HEAT Act made it through the Senate during last year's state legislative session  However... no action was taken in the Assembly.  Senator George Borrello fears that the measure may see the light of day in the lower chamber this year.  He believes the measure is "incredibly dangerous" for New York... because it won't save New Yorker's money due to the need to convert items powered by gas to electric.  Borrello... a Sunset Bay Republican... says a transition towards electrification would be devastating for Western New York because natural gas remains a "low-cost" way to heat homes... our water... and, run manufacturing plants.  Proponents of the bill say it would require the state's Public Service Commission to cap customers' energy costs at 6% of their household income.  It would also eliminate a rule requiring utilities to provide gas service to new customers -- if they are within 100 feet of a gas line for free.

Borrello calls on Hochul to Veto bill that would delay Special Election for New Yorki's 21st Congressional District...
State Senator George Borrello has called on Governor Kathy Hochul to veto an effort by legislative Democrats to manipulate elections and silence voters through new legislation that would delay special elections for elective office vacancies.  Borrello says... under current law... the governor must call a special election within 90 days to ensure voters aren’t without representation for longer than necessary.  The Sunset Bay Republican noted in his letter that Hochul had no issue following this law when filling the recent vacancies left by Brian Higgins and George Santos... but, now, Democrats want to change the rules in light of an impending vacancy in the 21st congressional district in order to give a political advantage to congressional Democrats.  Borrello says "this isn’t about saving money or increasing turnout — it’s about rigging the system.  New Yorkers deserve full representation, not partisan games.”