OBSERVER file photo Pastor Erika Lopez drives a forklift to help distribute food.

There has been no slowing Chautauqua County’s downward population spiral, which continued its rapid decline in the last decade. According to the most recent U.S. Census figures, the number of residents who live here has decreased by 8,002 since 2010 to less than 127,000 residents — a nearly 6% drop in that time span.

As a matter of fact, these dwindling numbers have one thing in common with them: Republican leadership in the County Legislature and at the executive level. Taking it a step further, however, shows little is being done by any level of local leadership to figure out just why so many are leaving.

During his State of the County address in February, current Executive PJ Wendel was correct to point out a number of positive steps taken over the last year to battle the world’s top priority in COVID-19. He also talked about his administration’s tireless efforts in the process.

What was not addressed, however, were the serious quality of life issues. While there is some hope economically with manufacturing possibilities in the north and south county, what are we doing to address what could be the second most important issue next to the virus facing our region at this time? That is the growing amount of households that are living in poverty.

Census figures peg the overall county rate around 17%. In the cities, it is much worse. Jamestown is just about 30% while one of every four residents in Dunkirk is living in hardship. Even more worrisome is the rate in what many consider in the higher-end village of Fredonia, which is a tad more than 24%.

Why does this matter? Unfortunately, some barometers paint Chautauqua County as the poorest of all 62 in the state in terms of per capita income, which is a little more than $26,000.

These disconcerting numbers did not occur overnight. With government leaders not shining enough light on this issue, it has almost been allowed to happen.

Frankly, some of this is a byproduct of stubborn attitudes here. We just do not want to give up many of the major contributors to the important issue: 18 school districts, 27 towns and 13 villages.

What do these 58 entities have in common? They are always in need of increasing support from property owners — especially when less people are living here.

High taxes drive away private investment and business. It is why state Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been so reluctant to increase taxes on the wealthy downstate.

Those who have the means — remember former Sabre owner Thomas Golisano who actually oversaw a winning franchise? — have the ability to relocate, especially to the Southern states where there is less of a tax burden. Most of that is due to these locations having one county school district and fewer layers of municipal government. Efficiency may not matter to us here at home, but it matters to big business.

Much of the upstate is in the same situation with one exception — Tompkins County in Central New York. Over the last 10 years, there has been an increase of 800 residents. Not much, but it is still a win.

Even there, its major city of Ithaca struggles with poverty levels. With 30,569 residents in a progressive college town, the municipality has 36% there living below the poverty line.

Back here at home, major non-profits are dealing with these struggles first hand. Add in the COVID-19 pandemic and it has made serving those in need even more of a challenge.

Bonny Scott-Sleight, executive director at the St. Susan Center in Jamestown, noted that while numbers at her agency in the last 12 months have been stable, there are trends worth noting. Weather conditions impact how many come to the center for meals and there is a definite uptick in clients toward the end of the month when money gets tighter for those relying on government assistance. “That’s the time … we know that our community needs us more,” she said.

Chautauqua County Rural Ministry that is based in Dunkirk and the newly formed Outpour Project, which touches residents in the two cities, also are committed to helping families make ends meet by providing food that can include meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and a variety of other items.

As for Scott-Sleight, she continues to be overwhelmed by the giving spirit of this county. “The community has responded and we are truly blessed to live in a community that recognizes there is a need,” she said. “Those who couldn’t give in monetary donations were dropping off food, paper products, whatever it was that was needed. … We really have just seen such a … generosity that’s greater than even before.”

New Census figures gathered from 2020 are expected to be released in the coming weeks. For this county to flourish, we must make a greater effort in our governments to build population and reduce poverty.

We cannot continue the status quo. That’s where we are now — right at the bottom.

John D’Agostino is the editor of the OBSERVER, The Post-Journal and the Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 366-3000, ext. 253.