A new face will represent Chautauqua County in the state Assembly next year.
Twenty-eight year incumbent William Parment has indicated to several close to him that he will not be seeking re-election to the Assembly seat for the 150th District. He was first elected in 1982 and has served 14 terms.
Keith Ahlstrom, county Democratic chair, confirmed to WDOE-AM this afternoon the committee endorsed Parment for re-election, but Parment declined. The committee is now searching for a new candidate.
Currently, former County Executive Andrew Goodell is running for the seat.
In an afternoon statement, Parment confirmed he was not accepting the nomination, citing the opportunity to spend time with his family as the main reason for stepping aside.
"I have a rare opportunity to spend the next year in the company of my grandson Liam," Mr. Parment said, "and I've decided to fully enjoy and appreciate that experience." He explained that his younger son, a State Department employee, will be leaving in August to work in Iraq for one year. "During that time, my daughter-in-law and grandson will be living with me and my wife, and I want to be available to spend as much time as I can with them before they are once again overseas," Parment added.
"It has been a privilege to represent the people of Chautauqua County in the State Assembly," Mr. Parment said. He was first elected to the legislature in 1982 and has served 28 years in the Assembly. Mr. Parment has been in public service for 43 years, beginning as a facilities planner for the State University, followed by service for Chautauqua County as a planner, Deputy Director of Planning and Development, and Director of Public Works.