We sadly say goodbye to longtime legislator Charles Nazzaro, a Democrat who has served Jamestown well in Mayville.

His seat, though, will be ably filled by Billy Torres, a name familiar to many in the Jamestown area for his work with youth on the city’s east side. Though he is running unopposed, Torres will bring a youth-oriented point of view to his work as a legislator and enthusiasm for his new position that we certainly endorse.

In other races of local interest for the county legislature, District 11 is a rematch between incumbent Robert Whitney and former legislator David Wilfong. Whitney is a community-minded man, but this endorsement is a simple one. On one of the biggest issues the county has faced in recent memory, Wilfong did what he said he would do and voted to sell the Chautauqua County Home. He should be returned to Mayville. On big issues, he can be counted on to make the right decision.

District 12, which is mostly in the city of Jamestown along with a small portion in the town of Ellicott, has incumbent Elisabeth Rankin challenged by Heather Fagan. Rankin is running on the Republican and Conservative lines while Fagan is running on the Democratic line. Fagan has run a quiet campaign for office, so in our view Rankin is a safe choice to return for a third term on the legislature.

District 16 has three candidates – incumbent John Davis on the Republican and Conservative lines, Dustin Carvella on the Democratic and Working Families lines, and Gerrit Cain on the Libertarian line. District 16 includes the towns of Poland, Carroll and Kiantone. Davis has shown himself to be a good legislator who is in contact with the towns he represents, which is more than one can say for some legislators. Voters should be comfortable returning Davis to Mayville for two more years.

District 8 finds Pierre Chagnon of Bemus Point is being challenged by Scott Humble. Chagnon, who is the legislature chairman, is running for re-election on the Republican and Conservative lines, while Humble is running on the Democratic line. District 8 covers the towns of North Harmony and Ellery. Chagnon is a respected voice on the legislature who should be returned to office.

The final contested race in the south county finds Bill Ward of Mayville running against Martin Proctor of Findley Lake. Both are Republicans, with Ward also endorsed by the Democrat and the Working Families parties while Proctor is endorsed by the Republican and Conservative parties. Both have legislative experience, both are active in their respective communities and both will do a good job in Mayville. Voters have a difficult choice, but we endorse Proctor. He has shown himself to be financially conservative on the Mina Town Board, a trait that needs to be seen more on the legislature despite its Republican majority, and Proctor’s work on the town’s sewer study work group could help Mina/Findley Lake residents with the wider voice a seat on the legislature provides.