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The Jamestown and Chautauqua County Democratic Party committees are asking Charles Nazzaro, a former Chautauqua County legislator who retired in 2021, to replace Vince DeJoy as the county legislator representing District 9 residents in Jamestown.
DeJoy, who submitted his resignation as the District 9 legislator on Thursday, Oct. 15, is moving to North Carolina where he has a new job.
DeJoy's name will remain on the ballot. Nazzaro will serve if DeJoy wins the election.
"We were surprised by Vince DeJoy's announcement," said Marcia Westling Johnson, county Democratic Party chairwoman. "We are excited to have a well-respected public servant and civic-minded person such as Chuck Nazzaro to stand in if DeJoy receives the winning number of votes. It is a short time to voting. We are optimistic that District 9 residents will vote for DeJoy on the ballot knowing that they will be getting Nazzaro as their legislator."
Nazzaro was first elected to the county legislature in 2008 and served for 14 years. He was a Jamestown City Council member before his election to the legislature. Nazzaro chaired the legislature's Audit and Control Committee when either the Democrats or the Republicans controlled the body.
"Chuck is well-regarded by both parties and respected for his budgeting knowledge," said Westling Johnson. "He was the chief financial officer at WCA Hospital for many years. We know he can have an impact on the legislature and county government from the get-go because of his vast knowledge and experience. "We know that DeJoy's resignation a mere week before ballots are being cast presents a real challenge. DeJoy is moving too late to change the ballot, but voting for DeJoy legally allows Nazzaro to step in."