Celebrating Four Years of Success and Growth in Chautauqua County

As I reflect on my four years as Chautauqua County Executive, I am proud of the impactful leadership we have achieved together. Our journey has been marked by significant accomplishments that have enhanced the quality of life for our residents and driven economic growth in our region. 

Throughout my tenure, I have maintained a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility, proposing a decrease in the property tax rate every year. I am pleased to say over my time in office we have successfully reduced the property tax rate by $1.72, easing the financial burden on our residents while still investing in essential services and infrastructure. 

Economic development has thrived under my administration, with over $1.5 billion invested in Chautauqua County by local businesses, creating jobs and fostering local economic stability. Our investments in developing shovel ready sites in Ripley, and Jamestown will help drive further economic revitalization here in Chautauqua County. We have also committed to investing in our infrastructure, one of our key initiatives has been expanding municipal sewer systems around Chautauqua Lake, which will improve public health and boost tourism investment in our County. I also recognize the importance of connectivity for a thriving community and that is why I have prioritized broadband expansion here in Chautauqua County. These investments will make Chautauqua County more competitive in attracting young professionals who need high-speed internet for remote work opportunities and a great quality of life. 

Our lakes, particularly Chautauqua Lake, have also seen increased investments as well. We have acquired new equipment for in-lake maintenance, this aids in harvesting and removing invasive weed growth and near shore clean up by increasing efficiency and productivity. We have also secured critical federal funding for our local lakes including: funding for dredging and break wall projects on Lake Erie in Westfield, Dunkirk and Hanover, as well as funding Chautauqua Lake to conduct an Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration study. These investments will ensure that these vital resources remain accessible and enjoyable for both tourists and residents for generations to come. 

We have prioritized public safety initiatives and investments. By expanding our county fly car ambulance service, we have ensured that essential emergency medical care is available to all of our county residents, regardless of their location. This includes inter-facility transport services, freeing up our strained volunteer and paid ambulance services to be able to focus on responding to local emergencies. 

In addressing serious community issues, I am proud that the Sheriff's Department has established a new unsolved crimes division to bring justice to our grieving families and remove dangerous criminals from our streets. We have also opened a re-entry hub aimed at preventing recidivism among individuals leaving the Chautauqua County jail. These efforts reflect a proactive approach to public safety and community well-being. 

I have also prioritized human services, leading efforts for lead remediation to improve housing conditions and reduce long-term health risks among our county residents. The introduction of a new mobile health clinic allows Chautauqua County to provide expanded public health services to disadvantaged and rural communities. Our mobile crisis unit that we established under my tenure as County Executive has enhanced mental health services across the county, enabling professionals to provide critical support while allowing law enforcement to focus on other duties. Additionally, our investments in addiction prevention, treatment programs, and a crisis stabilization center underscore my commitment to fostering a healthier community. 

I am proud of what we have accomplished together over the past four years, I often say that our focus on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and community wellbeing has set the foundation for a prosperous future. I look forward to our future successes to make Chautauqua County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. 

As I look ahead, I remain dedicated to building on these successes and ensuring that Chautauqua County continues to thrive for generations to come.