Mary Jane Stuhr and Constance Johnson

District 1 of Cattaraugus County will be able to vote for Stuhr/Johnsonon the Democratic line. Two women who have proven their ability to work together for the good of community. Both have shown that they have the qualities needed to work with legislators of other parties to promote the values of the people who elect them. Mary Jane Stuhr and Constance Johnson have worked together over the years to bring positive things to local government.

They say that since the passing of the last representation at the county level, Paula Stockman, that District 1 is not well represented. Roads, bridges and culverts need attention. Mental health and substance abuse issues need increased attention, as does the nursing home situation. “We want to make a needed positive difference,” they said.

This Democrat and this Republican will be mindful of taxpayers when voting any budget items. “We will work for the taxpayers, not for personal agendas. We will be open to input from the community and will act on that as may be indicated,” said Johnson.

Stuhr added, “We will be responsive to the concerns of those we represent and will champion for more efficient government.”

They say that they will be educated when passing laws, budgets and policy, while meeting needs of the communities they serve. They will be looking for ways to cut taxes for families and businesses.

Stuhr is currently a teacher’s aide for children with disabilities in the Hamburg school district. She is a former Perrysburg Town Board member and currently President of the Perrysburg Versailles Firemen’s Auxiliary. As a town board member, Stuhr participated in required and independent schooling, which no other board member did

She and husband, Jim Stuhr, who is currently running for the position of Town Supervisor in Perrysburg, have nurtured their six children together. She has her own flower business done after school and on weekends, providing flowers for weddings and other memorable occasions.

Johnson is retired from Department of Corrections, having worked there after transferring from OPWDD after 17 years. She then worked as a substance abuse counselor in Chautauqua County. She is currently taking classes from UB and is a member of the Perrysburg/Versailles Firemen’s Auxiliary, serving as secretary. She is proud to have been offered a legislative internship while in college. She is also a former town justice for 10 years, former teacher and both she and Mary have been foster care providers. She and husband Charles raised Chipper and Andrew.