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Daniel Morton is seeking election to the Chautauqua County Legislature District 18.
He is the son of Jon Morton and the late Patty Morton of Ashville and is a lifelong county resident. Morton is a graduate of Chautauqua Lake Central School, Jamestown Community College and the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Academy. While in the academy, the Sept. 11 attack happened. When the U.S. invaded Iraq, Morton was working security at Peek'n Peak and decided to join the military.
"Fate led me into the Jamestown Marine Corps recruiting office," Morton said. "The four years that I honorably served as a Marine were the most formative of my entire life. I was deployed to Afghanistan and then Iraq, where an IED (improvised explosive device) almost ended my story. I still have that hunk of metal in my hip and know that I am a living, breathing miracle."
After his enlistment, Morton graduated from the State University at Fredonia and married his wife, Linda, with whom he raised her stepson, Domenic. Morton then was hired to teach social studies at Chautauqua Lake Central School. The Mortons had two more children, Marcus and Vera.
"My entire life, I have been looking for purpose, and the common theme has always been public service," Morton said. "I first tried law enforcement, then the Marines, and finally teaching, and this became my calling. I remember hearing on the radio that only 17% of New Yorkers wake up everyday and enjoy going to work. This statistic made me sad for the other 83% of my fellow New Yorkers and incredibly grateful to be a part of that 17%. As the years have turned into a decade plus, I teach the NYS curriculum with vigor and passion, however, for me, the ultimate objective is molding good, hardworking, contributing citizens."
Morton said Chautauqua County is a daycare desert and needs further economic development. He also noted the county's population decline and a median household income that is lower than the national average.
:"However, we have a high quality of life and we have more people with associate degrees as compared to the rest of the state and the nation," Morton said. "We have abundant manufacturing infrastructure and residents trained in production occupations. I love Chautauqua County. If elected, I hope that I can make a meaningful contribution to the long-term health of our beloved community by putting the public good above all else. So, if you see me walking our dog Redford around Mayville, stop me and say hi. Let me know what you love about Chautauqua County and what needs improving."