MAYVILLE — Chautauqua County’s four Democratic legislators all voted in opposition to the latest appointments to the county’s landfill commission.

During last week’s legislature meeting, Bob Bankoski, of Dunkirk, Tom Nelson of Jamestown, Susan Parker of Fredonia, and Billy Torres of Jamestown voted against the resolution to appoint Angela Ricotta with TitanX Engine Cooling, Inc. and Paul Snyder with the Jamestown BPU to the landfill commission.

“I cannot support appointing any business people to this landfill commission,” Bankoski said.

Parker had similar objections. “I have had concerns about the landfill commission and the presence of business owners on the commission, along with concerns that the landfill needs to remain public for our residents,” she said.

While there has been no public discussion at any legislature committee meetings about selling the landfill, Parker has continued to express concerns about the possibility that some leaders want it sold and privatized.

Last summer, when the commission was formed, Parker wanted the commission from being prohibited from reviewing and/or recommending the landfill be privatized. Her proposal was rejected by the legislature.

Legislator Dan Pavlock, R-Sinclairville, is a member of the landfill commission. He said they’ve met twice and they’re looking forward to having a full board with the appointment of Ricotta and Snyder.

“We’ve done some pretty good work and had some good conversation. We will actually be putting forth a potential motion next month for consideration. I believe that we’ve gotten off to a good start and some good decision and discussion around the landfill and its operations,” he said.

He did not specify what the motion they plan to proposed next month is.

The landfill commission has no legal authority and can only serve to advise and advocate for the landfill. Any changes, including increase in fees or change in ownership, would have to be made by the full legislature.

The legislature agreed to the appointments by a 15-4 vote.

In other business:

¯ Robert Dando Jr. of Fredonia was reappointed to the Parks Commission.

¯ Darlene Nygren of Jamestown was appointed to the county Ethics Board.

¯ Michael Zamborik of Ashville was appointed to the county Fire Advisory Board.

¯ Carolyn Thomas of Westfield was appointed to the county Youth Board.

¯ Natalie Luczkowiak of Dunkirk was appointed to the Chautauqua Opportunities Board of Directors.

¯ Bethany O’Hagan of Jamestown was appointed to the county Food Policy Council.

¯ The legislature agreed to spend $52,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act funds from the federal government for turnout gear for the county’s Emergency Medical Services Department.