This is in response to John D’Agostino’s Editor’s corner column (Aug. 19), “Chautauqua Institution stays guarded on security details,” which is missing some critical information.

Chautauqua Institution for decades operated its own police force, deputized by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office. In 2021, Sheriff Jim Quattrone, after consultation with legal counsel, determined it was not proper protocol for the county to authorize that status.

In response, so that the Institution could continue to operate its own fully credentialed police force with vital access to emergency radio contact, information system access and with arrest authority, Institution leaders began a two-pronged approach to securing the same type of capabilities. One avenue was asking the town of Chautauqua to establish a police department that would be staffed and funded by the Institution; the other was to seek peace officer designation through the New York State Legislature. The peace officer legislation had passed the state legislature but was vetoed by the governor at that time, Andrew Cuomo.

Through the tremendous support of Assemblyman Andrew Goodell and Sen. George Borrello, and with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent promise of support, following the attack on author Salman Rushdie, it looks like we finally may achieve critically needed peace officer status for our officers.

D’Agostino’s article may lead some to believe that Chautauqua Institution is a drain on the region’s resources. However, the Institution is a strong community partner with a significant positive economic impact including:

¯ More than $600 million in assessed private property at Chautauqua generates a significant part of the county property and school tax revenue. In fact, while the footprint of the Institution grounds is just a fraction of 1% of the land mass in the county, it accounts for approximately 8 percent of the total property tax-assessed value.

¯ Chautauqua Institution’s tax-paying hotel, food and beverage, and retail operations also contribute to sales tax revenue and enhance tourism and hospitality for the region. Annually, the Institution draws some 100,000 visitors, most of whom come from outside our county and region during the nine-week summer season.

¯ Chautauqua Institution’s economic impact on Chautauqua County through its non-profit operations alone is estimated at $64 million annually.

Chautauqua Institution is proud to play a significant role in the vitality and quality of life of our region.

We are grateful for the strong partnerships with local elected and appointed officials as well as law enforcement and first responders. We will continue to do our part to support that partnership by funding and managing our own public safety and other operations that promote a safe environment for all. We will also continue to collaborate and engage with local stakeholders in supporting regional priorities such as the conservation of Chautauqua Lake and bringing world-class arts, culture and diversity of thought to our beautiful region.

Emily Morris is the senior vice president and chief brand officer for Chautauqua Institution, and serves on the Chautauqua County Tourism/Destination Development Work Group.