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What Happens Next For Chautauqua Lake?

There have been some political developments lately that leave me, as a local citizen, a little bit in “limbo.”

I am referring to the repercussions of Senator Cathy Young’s recent resignation of her position as our state senator. Just two months into her new term, she has left her seat open. That not only means that we are without her representation, we now must wait through the inevitable political maneuvering that takes place to fill the position.

As a heavily Republican District, the obvious resolution is that there will be a repositioning of Republican office-holders and someone from that party will eventually fill the position. You can see why Democrats might view it as a game of political “musical chairs” by Republicans, since a Democrat has never filled that seat. Nevertheless, the fact that there will be an open seat for an extended time, is not a good thing for any of us, no matter what your politics.

Chautauqua County is the most populous county in the senate district so a candidate from Chautauqua County should be favored. Our county executive has indicated his interest and so, presumably, he will have an edge. (I have heard that there may also be a Republican candidate from Allegany County who is interested.) The Democrats have already met and thrown their support behind a young man from Cattaraugus County.

Perhaps for selfish and parochial reasons, I was hoping that the County Executive would not run. I have been impressed with his enthusiasm and “hands-on” involvement at the county level and especially around the lake. Now, we will have to go through a period of wondering whether he will still be in that job or moving off to Albany. The state Senate may seem like a “higher office,” but I think that actually more positive work can be accomplished for the public through leadership here at the local county level.

My experience in viewing politics in Chautauqua County over the years is that our “default” mode is to elect Republicans. However, that is not true across the state, and today to be a Republican in the state Senate means that you will be in a minority party with little ability to influence either spending or public policy.

So here we sit with an open Senate seat and a “maybe” open elected county executive seat. The other unknown is when this will change. There is some talk that the governor will call for a special election in June to coincide with the primary election calendar. If that happens, then, as I understand it, there could be a vote for a new county executive on Election Day in November.

It would be good if all of this could be settled sooner rather than later. We who live around the lake are especially interested in continuing the involvement of Mayville in the issues facing the lake. In the meantime, we all sit in political “limbo” waiting to see what happens.

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.

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