OBSERVER file photo A rally to save Job Corps earlier this month filled Stockton Fire Hall.

November’s election numbers made it crystal clear: Chautauqua County strongly supports the state and federal Republican policies. President Donald Trump tallied 61% of the vote here thanks in part to his Make America Great policies that focused on taking a tougher stance on immigration, draining the swamp while getting tough with other countries when it comes to doing business.

Who would have thought the term tariff would become as widely used in the 21st century as it was after the Civil War in the 19th and early 20th centuries? Though the threats have put the stock market on a roller-coaster ride the last five months, there is no denying it is making world leaders reconsider how their policies are affecting U.S. consumers.

Elon Musk’s efforts with the Department of Government Efficiency are not as celebrated because the dose of reality was often tough to swallow. Though much of those savings he claimed to have created was overestimated, there is no doubt it made many federal workers have more urgency in doing their job.

Musk’s February directive to employees to submit a weekly list of accomplishments or risk losing their jobs did exactly what it was meant to do. It created an uncomfortable sense for those who had not been challenged — or ever feared their job would go away.

Those in the public sector — even the thousands of residents here who work in the two cities, 13 villages, 27 towns, 18 school districts and county government — can sometimes become content in their positions. With rare exceptions, most who work in taxpayer-subsidized positions are protected, well paid and receive generous benefits. They also can remain in the bureaucracy until they decide to retire, which is usually at a younger age than their private-sector counterparts.

One of Trump’s latest actions, however, has hit too close to home and spurred a negative reaction from even the most loyal of local Republican leaders. In late May, it became apparent a local gem would be on the cutting block in Cassadaga Job Corps.

County Executive PJ Wendel, a Trump supporter, was the most prominent area GOP member to voice his opposition to the president’s plans last week. “Throughout my career in education and now in public service, I’ve remained committed to strengthening the bridge between education and employment,” he said. “Programs like those offered at Cassadaga are essential in meeting the growing demand for skilled labor in Chautauqua County — not only supporting existing industries but also aiding in attracting new businesses to our region. Job training isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about empowering individuals, building stronger communities, and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth. I commend the Cassadaga Job Corps for their continued efforts, and I fully support their mission to equip our workforce with the tools needed for success.”

Wendel’s response is par for the course. He rarely takes on controversy and backing Job Corps is the easy way out.

U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, who represents District 23 that includes the Cassadaga location, was more objective on the issue. Before last weekend, he indicated that lagging results and expenses need to be addressed. “I’m a strong believer in creating pathways to good-paying jobs that don’t require a traditional four-year degree, and the mission of Job Corps is commendable, however, I have serious concerns about the program’s current performance,” he said. “The national cost per student now exceeds $80,000, yet Department of Labor statistics reveal alarmingly low graduation and certification rates – figures that stand in stark contrast to what we’ve been told by program staff. While the recent pause in funding is under judicial review and only a small number of local residents are enrolled at the Cassadaga site, I will continue actively digging into the data and seeking answers from Job Corps leadership about these troubling discrepancies. Any program funded with taxpayer money must meet the highest levels of scrutiny and accountability.”

What’s wrong with walking the fine line? Chautauqua County — even its most loyal residents who lean right — has trouble reducing the bloat that has saddled taxpayers and businesses for at least five decades of a population decline that has gone from 147,000 in 1980 to 123,600 in 2024 — a 16% decline over that time period.

How have we — on a local level — responded to fewer residents? Have we reduced local government? On a small scale, two villages — Forestville and Cherry Creek were dissolved — and Chautauqua County Home in Dunkirk, which was once under government control, was sold.

Have we downsized education? Two districts, Chautauqua and Mayville merged in 1995 to become Chautauqua Lake, but 18 remain.

Trump’s point in government reductions, which includes the Job Corps proposal, is there needs to be sacrifices to better position the United States. This county has seen plenty of neighbors and major manufacturers and businesses leave our hometowns during the population decline. But very little sacrifice in terms of what

Cassadaga Job Corps presents a complicated dilemma to everyone involved — just like the voter approval of school budgets and continued municipal tax hikes. Usually, in all these cases, emotions are the greatest factor.

But that’s not how Trump, red-laden Chautauqua County’s choice for president, works when he determines his policies. This is one of the consequences.

John D’Agostino is editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.