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The past four years have been calm ones for the Chautauqua County Legislature.
The 19-member body was finally able to sell the Chautauqua County Home. Together with County Executive Vince Horrigan, the legislature was able to reach an agreement with state legislators to increase the county's sales tax back to 8.25 percent; has cut the tax levy from $62,526,004 in 2014 to $60,805,739 in 2017; and had begun to right-size county services through partnerships with agencies like Catholic Charities. While there is always room for improvement, the county's legislative body has had a productive past two terms.
Pierre Chagnon, R-Bemus Point, is being challenged by Stow resident Jeriann Simora. Chagnon is a tireless worker on the legislature, a constant watcher of county spending and a steady hand on issues pertaining to Chautauqua Lake. Ellery residents would be wise to return Chagnon to the legislature.
In Jamestown, David Wilfong, R-Jamestown and majority leader, is challenged by Jamestown businessman Frank Besse in District 11 while incumbent Elisabeth T. Rankin is challenged by David P. Reinhardt in District 12. Besse has shown himself to have a deft touch in the private sector, but we disagree with his recent statements to the legislature surrounding the sale of the South County Office Building when such a move will help the district he wants to represent. Wilfong was elected at a time when Jamestown residents wanted the legislature to sell the Chautauqua County Home. Wilfong did his part then and has continued to represent the wishes of his district in Mayville.
Rankin and Reinhardt are similar candidates despite their differing party affiliations. Reinhardt, we are sure, would make a fine legislator, but we respect Rankin's recent efforts to gather north side residents to learn more about the types of crime happening in their neighborhood and what Jamestown Police Department officials suggested residents do to protect themselves. It is the sort of effort city residents should expect from their representative on the legislature, and Rankin deserves two more years.
We see no reason why these incumbents shouldn't be returned to Mayville to continue their work.