County Executive PJ Wendel, left, and District Attorney-elect Jason Schmidt

A day normally reserved for a ceremony symbolic of new beginnings will take place in a more subdued way as Chautauqua County’s elected officials ring in 2021.

Incumbent Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel and District Attorney-elect Jason Schmidt will both be sworn in to serve their terms in a private ceremonies today to adhere to COVID-19 regulations and guidelines.

A former legislator and legislature chairman, Wendel, R-Lakewood, carried 72% of the vote in the Nov. 3 special election to fill the final year of George Borrello’s term as county executive. He became the first county executive to be appointed by the county Legislature last January after Borrello was elected to the state Senate. A full, four-year term will be up for election in November.

“It’s very humbling you look at the turnout for those that wanted my return to this office,” Wendel told The Post-Journal and OBSERVER on Thursday. “God willing, my hope is that I have the same experience this time next year. It’s very humbling to see that kind of turnout and support. Humbled is really all I can say about that.”

Wendel did admit though he and his administration will have their “work cut out” for them in the new year with the coronavirus vaccine expected to reach critical mass some time in 2021.

“As we stand here, at this decrescendo of 2021, we’re looking at vaccines and vaccine distribution,” he said. “That comes at the same time as a rise in cases with our holiday gatherings. My hope is that after the holiday we can get back to a very strong fight to eliminate and to reduce COVID in our county.”

“That will be a large portion of our fight, but we need to realize that we don’t know how this affects individuals. I know people who have recovered quickly, I know people who have been put in ICU. We need to protect our neighbors during this time.”

And though the “interim” tag will be removed, Wendel said that nothing will change.

“It doesn’t change my opinions or philosophies,” he said. “A statement was made by the voters that they wanted me to continue. I’m fortunate and continue with the same dedication and determination that I had as an appointed county executive.”

He added, “Hopefully 2021 brings us the prosperity and the change we need to get back to a lifestyle that we’re used to. We need to get back to moving forward.”

Schmidt, R-Fredonia, defeated District Attorney Patrick Swanson by 10,000 votes on election night, capping a spirited rematch of the 2016 election. In an interview in late November, the former county prosecutor said that he had already begun reaching out to local police agencies to increase the lines of communication.

“What I want to do is share my objective for the office and listen to them and listen to their concerns and discuss ways to improve things going forward,” Schmidt said.

“Clearly, the concerns have become apparent,” he said of meeting with officers. “Many said they didn’t have a good line with the DA’s office regarding the disposition of their arrests, so I want to address that.”

The Chautauqua County legislature will meet on Monday to swear in winners of two district special elections — District 10 legislator Ken Lawton, R-Busti, and District 1 legislator Kevin Muldowney, R-Dunkirk.