OBSERVER Photos by Gregory Bacon Judge Stephen Cass gives the oath of office to members of the Chautauqua County Legislature.

Nineteen members of the Chautauqua County Legislature were sworn into office Monday.

During the legislature’s organizational meeting, Surrogate Court Judge Stephen Cass lead the oath of office. Among those sworn in were four new legislators, Susan Parker, D-Fredonia; Martin Proctor, R-Findley Lake; Billy Torres, D-Jamestown; and David Wilfong, R-Jamestown. Parker, Torres and Wilfong all won competitive races in November, while Torres ran unopposed for the seat formerly held by Chuck Nazzaro, who decided to not seek re-election. Additionally, Johnathan Penhollow, R-Stockton was reappointed to the District 7 seat. Penhollow was appointed last summer to take the seat formerly held by Mark Odell. Odell resigned after moving to Florida, but it was too late to get his name off the ballot or add Penhollow to it. Penhollow’s appointment is for the rest of 2022. Should he wish to stay in office in 2023, he will need to be elected in November for a one-year term.

APPOINTMENTS

Legislator Pierre Chagnon, R-Bemus Point, was again selected as the legislature chairman. Chagnon has served in this position since January, 2020.

There were changes to the majority and minority leaders. Thomas Harmon, R-Silver Creek was appointed the majority leader and Lisa Vanstrom, R-West Ellicott, was appointed the assistant majority leader. Last year Jay Gould served as majority leader and Vanstrom was the assistant.

Last year Nazzaro was the minority leader and Bankoski was the assistant.

Olivia (nee Ames) Lee of Cassadaga was unanimously appointed the clerk of the legislature at an annual salary of $45,000. Lee had served as the deputy clerk under former clerk Katherine Tampio of Silver Creek.

Tampio had been clerk of the legislature for the last nine and a half years but said she partially retiring, switching to a part-time position. She was recognized by both County Executive PJ Wendel and Chairman Chagnon.

“Your contributions to the lives and the citizens of Chautauqua County are greatly appreciated,” said Wendel, issuing a proclamation.

Chagnon also praised Tampio’s work. In a commendation he noted how during the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped transition the legislature to virtual meetings and then again to back in person. “Throughout her incredible and exemplary service over the past nine years Kathy has worked tirelessly to serve the residents of Chautauqua County,” he said.

Tampio thanked the elected leaders for the kind words. “I truly appreciate the legislature. Whatever your party affiliation is, you’re all working together to solve problems and to get things done. It truly is a wonderful experience,” she said.

In another vote, Kristi Zink of Cassadaga was appointed as secretary of the legislature at a salary of $18.46. She was also appointed as the deputy clerk of the legislature at an annual salary of $4,000.

Legislators Terry Niebel, R-Sheridan and Wilfong voted against her appointment. Neither individual said why they were opposed to Zink’s appointment. There was a 15 minute delay in the middle of the

meeting for the Republican members to caucus, although it is unknown if this is what they were discussing. When Niebel was approached after the meeting, he refused to say why he voted no.

Nathaniel L. Barone was unanimously reappointed as the public defender at an annual salary of $86,126 with an additional salary supplement of $62,625 to the extent of available grant funds received from the New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services.

The OBSERVER and Post-Journal were designated as official newspapers of the county.