West NY News

The Chautauqua County Legislature convened for its annual reorganizational meeting, reappointing Pierre Chagnon as Chair. The leadership team for the upcoming year was established with Republican Legislator Jamie Gustafson named as Majority Leader and Lisa Vanstrom serving as Assistant Majority Leader. On the Democratic side, Bob Bankoski was re-elected as Minority Leader, with Tom Nelson selected as Assistant Minority Leader.

In his opening remarks, Chagnon expressed gratitude and outlined his vision for 2025. He stated, "In this role, I will continue to adhere to high moral standards and strive to exemplify servant leadership. As we begin 2025, I am committed to shifting our focus from merely identifying issues to actively pursuing solutions that enhance our policies, programs, and procedures. To everyone to whom much is given, much will be required—a principle I take to heart in this role."

Chagnon also referenced Theodore Roosevelt’s call to action in encouraging legislators. "As Roosevelt said, ‘It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly…’ In that spirit, I encourage all legislators to engage wholeheartedly in the work of 2025, embracing both the challenges and opportunities ahead."

Further information about the Chautauqua County Legislature can be found on their website at chqgov.com/legislature/legislature.