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Ferguson holds kick-off fundraiser for county executive post

Submitted Photo Mike Ferguson, candidate for Chautauqua County executive, held his kick-off fundraiser earlier this month at Fredonia Place.

Mike Ferguson, candidate for Chautauqua County executive, held his kick-off fundraiser earlier this month at Fredonia Place.

Ferguson was joined by close to 100 supporters, family, co-workers and residents all on hand to support his candidacy and hear his message.

The candidate was also joined by county clerk candidate LeeAnn Lazarony; candidate for the 23rd congressional district, Eddie Sundquist; Mayor Athanasia Landis of Fredonia; and Mayor Willie Rosas of Dunkirk, along with many other local elected officials.

Ferguson talked to the group about his vision for Chautauqua County. He outlined several areas he is actively working on, such as development, jobs, support of agriculture, preserving and promoting the lakes and waterways and combatting the drug crisis. He has built his campaign on the concept that his plan for the county will be developed by listening to all groups, businesses and individuals and serving as the leader that brings their ideas to fruition.

Ferguson’s approach to business development has always been to create an environment for forward thinking as officials look to what’s next in the cycle of business growth, including proactive preparation. This advance transition to his approach to job growth, including creation of new, retention of existing and training and education to be prepared for what is needed in the workplace.

Ferguson is a strong advocate of the community farms throughout Chautauqua County, recognizing that the area has more farms than anywhere in the state and these resources must be utilized to meet the current needs of society. Ferguson not only sees farming as an opportunity to grow and export goods, but also to create an organic food hub right here in Chautauqua County that will create jobs and promote the area to outside individuals.

As he stated, “It’s time we invest in our farmers.”

As a board member of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau for nine years, including four as president of the board, Ferguson understands the importance of tourism to the Chautauqua County economy. That experience, as well as an understanding of the importance of all aspects of keeping the lakes and waterways clean and appealing, gives Ferguson an advantage as officials look forward.

Currently, he serves as the director of Marketing and Sales for Fredonia Place, an assisted living and dementia care housing campus located at 50 Howard St. in Fredonia. Ferguson has taken occupancy at Fredonia Place from just under 80 percent to over 95 percent with a waiting list. He has also spearheaded a total quality initiative to reduce employee turnover that has resulted in a decrease in employee turnover from 48 percent to 12 percent.

If you are looking for information on county executive candidate Ferguson, you can contact him directly at 480-3729 or you may find it on his website, FergusonforChautauqua.com; his Facebook page, Ferguson for Chautauqua; or follow him on Twitter, @fergusonCE2017.

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