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For at least the last six years, this corner has been consistent regarding our spending concerns with the Chautauqua County budget. Recent contracts that have shot up payroll costs -- from $66.6 million to $75 million in one year from 2024 to 2025 -- and an increasing number of employees have all happened under the reign of a Republican majority and county executive.
Certainly, unfunded state mandates are a major dilemma. But payroll costs, that are locally controlled and allowed to balloon, cannot be dismissed. In making our Legislature endorsements, we stick to our belief that local government must not keep growing while population declines.
Even if the rate goes down, the overall annual county tax costs for property owners keep going up.
In addition, during Republican control there is little debate in the Legislature. Caucus meetings held before the monthly gathering and closed to the public dictate how the majority party will vote. That provides little public transparency in major decisions.
In Districts 2, 4 and 5, incumbents Robert Bankoski, Sandra Lewis and Jason Merritt are unopposed.
-- DISTRICT 1 -- Enthusiastic Colby Garza is a nice addition to the race and could provide a new voice for the city. Our support is for incumbent Marcus Buchanan who has a strong connection to the Dunkirk community while looking out for those who are underserved.
-- DISTRICT 3 -- Popular incumbent Robert Scudder has been far too silent on major north county issues, including a decade of troubles with Fredonia water. We back Mike Lee, who has a solid track record with the Pomfret Town Board.
-- DISTRICT 6 -- Kevin O’Connell is an excellent candidate with experience on the Hanover Town Board and as a former legislator. Incumbent Tom Harmon, who did a tremendous job as a Silver Creek trustee making tough decisions that included the elimination of a village police force, has not been of the same downsizing mindset in the county. We back O’Connell.
-- DISTRICT 7 -- Legislator John Penhollow is one of the incumbents who have been part of the Republican legislator echo chamber that toes the party line of increasing spending. Very rarely do we notice his presence. We are impressed, however, with Carla Rodriguez who is outspoken and seems to bring a feisty energy. She gets our endorsement.
-- DISTRICT 18 -- Incumbent Marty Proctor, a spending proponent who consistently backs county payroll hikes, faces newcomer Dan Morton. We endorse Morton, a former Marine and current teacher at Chautauqua Lake Central School.
-- DISTRICT 19 -- John Hamels whose background is in education is a solid option for a district that does not need one. Incumbent Legislator Fred Johnson is one Republican who has -- more than once - talked about reducing spending, sticking to the county budget and lowering taxes. He gets our nod.