Wendel delivers annual "State of the County" address tonight in Mayville...
Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel outlined three goals... and, mulitple initiatives during his annual State of the County Address Wednesday night. Wendel also reflected on last year's achievements during the half-hour long speech during the legislature meeting in Mayville. He said the theme for this year's speech was "Grow CHQ," which builds off the county's Live CHQ and Choose CHQ initiatives... and, advancing their missions. He says growing the county is "what this is all about." Wendel... a Lakewood Republican... adds during the speech that this year marked the 50th anniversary of Chautauqua County having a county executive. In 1975... now-retired Judge Joseph Gerace was elected to the new position. More on the speech later Thursday on our website.
Borrello introduces measure to creat control board to help deal with Dunkirk's fiscal woes...
The ongoing fiscal crisis in the city of Dunkirk has prompted a local state lawmaker to sponsor a bill that would authorize the creation of a financial control board for the city. State Senator George Borrello has announced that he plans to introduce the legislation in the coming days. Borrello's announcement follows several conversations he has had with city, county and state leaders. Borrello says the city's fiscal situation, which includes an 84% property tax hike and a deficit exceeding $20-million... has proven to be too large and complex...and he feels New York State needs to step in. He says he feels for the mayor and common council, because they had no role in the current financial mess. Borrello says a control board has worked in other communities, including Buffalo, during times of financial crisis. He says this method of oversight will not replace local leadership, but guide the city back on better fiscal footing. A companion bill in the Assembly will be introduced by Andrew Molitor. Last year, Borrello and now-retired Assemblyman Andrew Goodell sponsored the City of Dunkirk Fiscal Recovery Act, which authorized the city to issue up to $18.5 million in debt to address its deficit.
Wdowiasz not opposed to idea of a control board...
The mayor of Dunkirk says while she's not opposed to the idea of a financial control board for the city... she wants more answers before fully supporting one. Democrat Kate Wdowiasz responded to Senator Borrello's announcement of legislation to create that fiscal panel. She says she has asked Borrello's office on numerous occasions to provide more details... since they just approved a huge tax increase in their 2025 budget. She says residents cannot accept any more of the tax burden. Wdowiasz says one model of a control board she has learned more about is one currently in place in Buffalo, which consists of paid community members. She says the Buffalo board has paid members on it, and the community pays for those. However, she doesn't see that kind of model working for the City of Dunkirk, adding that it currently doesn't have the funds to pay for one. Borrello's proposed legislation comes as the city deals with a deficit of more than $20.5 million.
Wendel glad that Hochul realizing the "right approach" in allowing fired corrections worker to apply for local and county government jobs...
Corrections officers who participated in the 22-day wildcat strikes across state prisons will soon be able to apply for re-certification as a peace officer... allowing them to work for their local and county governments. That's because Governor Kathy Hochul is letting her controversial executive order -- recommending their removal from the Central Registry of Police and Peace Officers for cause -- expire on Apr. 9. Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel says the decision makes a lot of sense, but adds it's disappointing that she doesn't take action to override the law -- the HALT Act -- that has been the focal point of the strikes. The measure eliminated, in most cases, the ability to use solitary confinement as a deterent to bad behavior in the prisons. Wendel says he's glad that Hochul is "realizing the right approach." The Lakewood Republican adds that corrections officers who lost their jobs have sought to work for County Government, but that can't happen until the executive order expires. Once the executive order expires, officers have up to a year to complete the re-certification process. The wildcat strikes began on Feb. 17 and ended on Mar.10.
Repeat offender of Order of Protections in Jamestown arrested...
A repeat offender has been arrested in Jamestown for allegedly violating two orders of protection following a domestic dispute on the city's southside. Jamesotwn police were called to the scene about 7:30 last Saturday night... and, found that the victim's both had orders for 22 year-old Michael Shafer to stay away from them. Shafer was taken into custody on two counts of aggravated criminal contempt... and, was jailed pending arraignment.
County jail inmate charged with damaging jail electronic tablet...
An inmate at the Chautauqua County Jail is accused of intentionally damaging an electric tablet in the jail earlier this month. Sheriff's officers say 47 year-old Joseph Cohen of Euclid Avenue in Jamestown was found to have damaged the tablet back on Mar.12... and, he was charged with third-degree criminal mischief -- a Felony -- and he was arraigned at a later time on the new charge.
