Commendations were issued to Legislator Tom Carle, D-Fredonia; Terry Niebel, R-Sheridan; Phillip Landy, R-Jamestown; and Tamara Dickey, R-Jamestown.

TERRY NIEBEL

Niebel was by far the longest serving legislator, having been a member of the county legislature since January, 2014. He chose not to run for re-election.

He thanked the county employees for all their hard work over the years.

Legislator Tamara Dickey of Jamestown says good-bye after serving on the Chautauqua County Legislature since 2024. Also pictured are Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon and Majority Leader Jamie Gustafson. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon

“I’d like to thank the county department heads. We have some great department heads. They made my job that much easier. We also have a county workforce that’s second to none,” he said.

He noted how the legislature and the county executive work well together.

“Chautauqua County is in a very strong financial position, I think in part because we have a very healthy fund balance,” he said.

He concluded saying, “Chautauqua County’s best years are ahead of it. Keep up the good work.”

PHILLIP LANDY

Landy served one full two-year term but lost in his bid for re-election. Even though his time was short, he thanked everyone. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as a legislator for Chautauqua County. But as life goes, one door closes and another door opens,” he said.

Landy specifically praised Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon and County Executive PJ Wendel for their leadership.

He closed saying, “Do good, be good, God bless and you all have a Merry Christmas.”

TAMARA DICKEY

Dickey was appointed to the county legislature in September, 2024, filling the remainder of the term of David Wilfong, who resigned the month before. She sought to return to the county legislature but did not win the election.

Dickey thanked everyone in attendance.

“This has been a pleasure for me to serve Chautauqua County and the residents and taxpayers here and in District 11 in Jamestown,” she said.

She concluded, saying, “I have really enjoyed working with each department head and each of you in the legislature. May God bless you. Do the right thing at the right time.”

THOMAS CARLE

Carle was appointed to the county legislature in December, 2024, filling the remainder of the term Susan Parker who resigned the month before.

Instead of running to retain the seat, Carle ran for county executive, but lost to Wendel.

“I’ve made a lot of friends here and I’ve learned a lot here. Obviously I didn’t accomplish everything that I tried to do this year, but for the most part I would say it was successful. Hopefully we can go on in the spirit of doing the best we can for the people of the county of Chautauqua,” he said.

Carle, who previously ran for Congress but lost, indicated that he’s not done yet with politics.

“I’m kind of on this political wheel and I don’t think you’ve heard the last of me yet,” he said.