The Chautauqua County Board of Elections’ website at votechautauqua.com provides the information who has filed petitions to run in the November 7 elections.

Some new names are in the filing, including Jamestown Democrat Travis Knight, who has filed to run against Republican incumbent Brent Sheldon for City Council Ward 1.

In County Legislature filings, Democrat Bob Whitney has filed petitions for another rematch against Republican Incumbent Dave Wilfong in Legislative District 11.

Republican incumbent Lisa Vanstrom in District 15 will be facing Democrat Kurt Gustafson.

Marcus Buchanan has filed petitions for the Democrat, Conservative, and Working Families lines to run against Republican Incumbent Kevin Muldowney in District 1.

Democratic incumbent Bob Bankoski will face Republican Dennis Welka in District 2.

Republican incumbent Bob Scudder will have an opponent with Democrat Nevin Ecklund submitting petitions for District 3.

A couple Republican incumbents in the County Legislature appear to have decided not to seek re-election. This includes Legislative District 16 representative John Davis and Legislative District 19 representative John Hemmer.

The candidates who have submitted petitions for those districts include Republican Dalton Anthony in District 16, and Republican Fred Johnson Sr. and Democrat Braiden McElhaney in District 19.

April 10 was the last day to file petitions for the primary.

April 18 is the last day to fill a vacancy after a candidate has declined to run with April 24 being the last day to authorize a substitution after a candidate declines to run.

April 18 is also the first day for folks seeking signatures for independent, or third party, petitions.

Democrat and current Mayor Eddie Sundquist previously announced he is seeking re-election for a second term with Republican Council Member at Large Kim Ecklund recently announcing she will be running against him for the seat.

The City Democratic Committee has endorsed local attorney John I. LaMancuso to run for City Court Judge. His father, John L. LaMancuso, has held that position for 29 years. Republicans have not endorsed a candidate for that race.

Democratic endorsements for City Council At Large include Isaiah Rashad II and returning candidate Alyssa Porter. Republicans have endorsed incumbents Jeff Russell and Randy Daversa; as well as Russ Bonfiglio.

Republican Ward 1 Council member Brent Sheldon and Ward 2 Council member and Council President Tony Dolce are running unopposed.

Ward 3 Democratic Incumbent Regina Brackman will again face Republican Robert Reedy. That race in 2021 was determined by three absentee ballots.

Democratic incumbent Marie Carrubba has been endorsed again to represents Ward 4 and will face Republican Joe Paterniti.

Republican Incumbent Bill Reynolds will face Democrat Kaycee Colburn for Ward 5 and Republican Incumbent Andrew Faulkner will be running against former Council Member at Large Vanessa Weinert in Ward 6.

For the County Legislature endorsements, Democratic incumbent Billy Torres and Republican Phillip Landy have been endorsed for District 9.

Republican incumbent Jamie Gustafson will face newcomer Democrat Julie Jackson-Forsberg for District 10.

Republican incumbent Dave Wilfong is unopposed for District 11.

District 12 endorsements include Republican Elisabeth Rankin against former Democratic County Legislator and former County Attorney Fred Larson.

Democratic Incumbent Tom Nelson will face Republican Joseph Tickle for District 13.

Candidate petitioning to get on the election ballot begins tomorrow, February 28 and ends April 6. Any primaries necessary will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2023.

Chautauqua County Legislature (May 25, 2022)

After voting down a proposed change that would have phased in payments for Jamestown, Dunkirk, and Westfield, the Chautauqua County Legislature approved a local law amending the County’s Worker’s Compensation Plan.

The local law changes the county administered plan so that costs are now allocated at 60% experience and 40% on wages. Previously, the costs were allocated at 60% experience and 40% property valuation.
Legislator Bob Bankowski proposed an amendment that would have allowed a two year phase in of the plan with proposed allocations the first year based 10% on valuation, 30% wages and 60% experience.

He agreed that the way the plan was set-up has been “broken” for many years and that it needed to be fixed to make it fair and equitable to all taxpayers, “But I just feel that with the amended print two that I proposed, it’s not going to be that drastic an effect on everyone. It phases in over the course of two years and everything should be fine. It gives Jamestown and Dunkirk some time to actually get their ducks in a row and make adjustments in their budget.”

County Finance Director Kitty Crow stated at the meeting that the increased costs to the Village of Westfield will be $7,766; $86,139 to the city of Dunkirk; and Jamestown would see an $157,315 increase in costs. She confirmed in email to WRFA that any municipality with an unusual increase now has the option of an installment payment plan and that this language was intentionally added to allow a phase-in by way of a payment plan.

The amendment proposed by Bankowski failed in a vote of 6 to 12, with Legislators Bob Bankowski, Susan Parker, Elisabeth Rankin, Billy Torres, Paul Whitford, and Dave Wilfong voting yes. Bankowski also made a motion to table the law for further discussion and that also failed 6 to 12.

The local law ultimately passed 15 to 3 with Legislators Bob Bankowski, Susan Parker, and Dave Wilfong voting no.

Finance Director Crow also clarified at the meeting that while the 2023 budget will see a $700,000 savings under Worker’s Compensation, the savings would have happened regardless of whether the Legislature changed how the plan costs were allocated.

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist stated earlier this week that city is already looking at other Worker’s Compensation firms under the assumption the local law would pass.

Chautauqua County Legislature Oath of Office (1/3/2022)

Four new legislators were sworn in at the Chautauqua County Legislature‘s organizational meeting Monday.

Republican Marty Proctor replaced Bill Ward in District 18 with Dave Wilfong replacing Bob Whitney in Jamestown District 11. Both Procter and Wilfong had previously served on the Legislature. Democrat Billy Torres replaced Chuck Nazzaro in Jamestown District 9. Nazzaro had chose not to run again. Democrat Susan Parker replaced Christine Starks in Fredonia District 4.

The legislature also voted to replace Mark Odell on the Legislature with John Penhollow of Sinclairville. Odell had resigned in July after moving out of the district, but his name remained on the ballot. Penhollow was appointed to fill his term last year.

Legislator Pierre Chagnon was unanimously elected the chair of the Legislature.

The legislature approved the reappointment of Ned Barone as Public Defender. The appointment is a 2-year term.

They also appointed Olivia Lee as the new Clerk of the Legislature. Lee replaces Kathy Tampio, who is retiring after 10 years as Clerk. Legislator Chagnon and County Executive PJ Wendel presented Tampio with a commendation for her service at the meeting.

PJ Wendel

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel easily won re-election to his first full term over Democratic challenger Norm Green by a vote of 17,455 to 5,516.

Wendel had first been appointed to replace George Borrello as County Executive in January 2020 after Borrello vacated the seat due to being elected to the State Senate. He defeated Democrat Richard Morrisroe in a special election last year to fill out Borrello’s term.

Wendell said he was humbled by the results, “My team has been very focused and, you know, we’ve been leading by example, moving the county forward and we’re going to continue to do that for the next four years.”

Republican County Clerk Larry Barmore won a third term over Democratic Challenger David Salley by a vote of 16,505 to 6,192.

Republicans will retain a super majority on County Legislature with 15 Republicans being elected to 4 Democrats. District 11 Democratic Incumbent Bob Whitney lost to former legislator David Wilfong by a vote of 328 to 534.

In County Legislative District 12, Republican Incumbent Elisabeth Rankin won re-election by a vote of 614 to 307 over Democrat Heather Fagan.

Republicans also will have a super majority on Jamestown City Council even with the Ward 3 race too close to call.

Council President Tony Dolce called it a “statement election,” “The public spoke loud and clear. They wanted a check and balance on the Mayor and his administration. And they came out in droves and voted for all three At-Large candidates. There was a change in Ward 6 with Andrew Faulkner – a huge win, that was a huge upset. And even Grant Olson who didn’t run or actively campaign won that seat.”

Republican Incumbents Kim Ecklund and Jeff Russell came first and second for the At-Large race with Republican newcomer Randy Daversa coming in third with 16% of the vote.

In other ward races, Ward 4 Democratic councilmember Marie Carrubba held onto her seat against Republican Rick Elardo.

And the Ward 3 race between Democratic Incumbent Regina Brackman and Republican Robert Reedy will come down to absentee ballots with Brackman currently leading by 11 votes.

For the 8th Judicial State Supreme Court Justice race, Grace Hanlon, John Licata, Frank Caruso and Raymond Walter all were elected.

Voters statewide voted no on ballot propositions 1, 3, and 4 which all dealt with elections and redistricting.

However, Proposition 2 was passed which adds the right to clean water, clean air, and a healthful environment to the New York Constitution’s Bill of Rights.

Proposition 5 also passed which allows the New York City Civil Court to hear and decide lawsuits involving claims of $50,000, rather than the current threshold of $25,000.

For full local election results, visit VoteChautauqua.com

In County races, incumbent Republican County Executive Paul “PJ” Wendel is facing Democratic challenger Norm Green. Wendel is running for full 4-year term after being appointed to replace George Borrello in January 2020 when Borrello was elected to the State Senate. Green formerly worked in the Chautauqua County Board of Elections as its Democratic Commissioner for over 20 years.

The County Clerk race will feature incumbent Republican Larry Barmore against Fredonia Democrat David Salley.

All 19 County Legislature seats are on the ballot. In Jamestown, the contested races are in District 11 between incumbent Democrat Bob Whitney and Republican Dave Wilfong; and in District 12 between incumbent Republican Elisabeth Rankin and Democrat Heather Fagan.

In the City of Jamestown, all City Council seats are on the ballot.

In Ward 3, incumbent Democrat Regina Brackman faces Republican Robert Reedy. Brackman was appointed in April to fill the seat after the untimely death of Vickye James. In Ward 4, incumbent Democrat Marie Carrubba is running against Republican Rick Elardo.

In Ward 5, Republican Grant Olson is facing Democrat Doug Lawson, however Olson announced in mid-September that he was no longer seeking re-election. As it was too late to remove his name from the ballot, should Olson win and decline to accept his seat again, Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist would be charged with appointing a Republican from Ward 5 to replace him in January.

And in Ward 6, incumbent Democrat Tom Nelson is going up against Republican Andrew Faulkner.
There are six candidates running for 3 At-Large seats. Incumbent Republicans Kim Ecklund and Jeff Russell are running for re-election as well as Republican Randy Daversa. Running on the Democrat line are Christina Cardinale, Ellen Ditonto, and Alyssa Porter. Democrat Tamu Graham-Reinhardt is not seeking re-election for her At-Large seat.

There are two seats open for the 8th Judicial State Supreme Court Justices. Running on all four lines of Democrat, Republican, Conservative and Working Families are Grace Hanlon and John Licata. Frank Caruso and Raymond Walter are running on the Democrat, Republican, and Conservative lines.

There are also 5 propositions located on the back of the ballot.

Proposal 1 deals with redistricting and, if passed, includes capping the number of State Senate seats at 63, require that incarcerated persons be counted at the place of their last residence for redistricting, and require the state to count residents, including people who are residents but not citizens, should the federal census fail to do so.

Proposal 3 removes the requirement that persons must register to vote at least ten days before an election. This would allow people to register to vote the same day as elections.

Proposal 4 would allow no-excuse absentee voting. Currently, in order to qualify for an absentee ballot, a voter must be absent from their county of residence, ill, or physically disabled.

Proposal 2 would add a right to clean water, clean air, and a healthful environment to the New York Constitution’s Bill of Rights.

And proposal 5 would allow the New York City Civil Court to hear and decide lawsuits involving claims of $50,000, rather than the current threshold of $25,000.

Polls are open Tuesday from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. in Chautauqua County.

For all of WRFA’s Election coverage, visit wrfalp.com/election-2021

For voting information, including sample ballots and voting locations, visit VoteChautauqua.com

We’ll have Election Night coverage starting at 8pm tonight on 107.9 WRFA-LP.

WRFA’s Julia Ciesla-Hanley moderated a Legislative debate for Chautauqua County District 11 between incumbent legislator Bob Whitney and Dave Wilfong. District 11 is located in the City of Jamestown.

Dave Wilfong (left) and Robert Whitney

The endorsed candidates for Jamestown City Council are all five incumbents: Brent Sheldon (Ward 1 and also the committee chairman), Tony Dolce (W2), Grant Olson, (W5), Kimberly Ecklund (At Large), and Jeffrey Russell (At Large).

Newcomers include: Robert Reedy (W3), owner of Elite Kreations and an Air Force veteran; Andrew Faulkner (W6), a journeyman electrician employed by IBEW Local 106; and Randall Daversa (At Large), retired equipment operator and supervisor for the N.Y.S.D.O.T.

Also returning to the ballot is Richard Elardo (W4), employed by the Jamestown Housing Authority, Classic Brass and operator of the family owned Crescent Inn. Elardo has also ran for the Ward 4 seat in previous elections as well.

• RELATED: Jamestown City Democrats Announce 2021 Local Candidates

The Republicans currently control the Jamestown City Council and will need five victories to maintain control.

“The 2019 election gave a Republicans a majority on City Council a majority for the first time in many years and we hope to build on that in this year’s election with new and fresh ideas”, Sheldon stated, adding, ““We are excited by our full slate of Republican candidates for Jamestown City Council for the first time in over 20 years.”

The city Republican committee also endorsed its Chautauqua County Legislature candidates. They include incumbents Kenneth Lawton, (District 10) and Elisabeth Rankin (District 12). Former Republican legislator David Wilfong (District 11) also makes a return to the ballot this year, after losing his seat in 2019, when he chose not to run for reelection and instead ran an unsuccessful campaign for mayor of Jamestown.  It appears the GOP does not have a candidate for Legislature District 9, which will be an open seat this year after long-time legislator and Democrat Chuck Nazzaro announced he would not be seeking reelection. Instead, the Democrats will have political newcomer Billy Torres on the ballot.

These candidates are only the endorsed candidates by the City Republican Committee. Should any other eligible residents choose to challenge any of the candidates in a party primary, it will take place on Tuesday, June 22.

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist makes remarks at Jamestown Community College after being sworn into office on Jan. 1, 2020.

JAMESTOWN – The city of Jamestown has a new mayor. Eddie Sundquist was sworn into office by city judge John LaMancuso during the Jamestown City Council’s reorganizational meeting on New Years Day at Jamestown Community College.

With Sundquist taking his oath of office, the city has a new mayor for the first time in 20 years. Sundquist, a Democrat, replaces former mayor and fellow Democrat Sam Teresi, who chose not to seek reelection for a sixth consecutive term in 2019. Instead, Sundquist ran for mayor in the 2019 General Election and was able to defeat Republican David Wilfong and Libertarian and former city councilman Andrew Liuzzo.

Following his oath of office, Sundquist made some brief remarks, saying he is aware of the various challenges facing the city but also believes the community is ready and willing to meet those challenges head on.

• Remarks by Carrubba, Dolce, and Sundquist

“Jamestown has always been a city full of pride for our people and our neighborhoods; a strong community, a city that embraces our rich past and innovates for the success of our future. It’s clear we are not without our challenges but today I want to focus on all the things that make Jamestown a strong and innovative community. People, grit and compassion is what defines who we are as one community,” Sundquist said.

Sundquist added the city is at a moment of opportunity and it is a time for the community to show how innovative it can be.

“Now more than ever we need to get creative and look at new ways to grow and expand our city; a city where we are collaborating with our partners, our neighbors, our businesses to revitalize our economy. No challenge is insurmountable. We just need to tap the knowledge of our people, embrace our grit, and show our compassion for one another,” Sundquist said.

Jamestown City Council President Tony Dolce shares his remarks after being unanimously elected council president by his colleagues on Jan. 1, 2019.

In addition to Sundquist being sworn in as mayor, the 2020-21 city council was sworn into office, including newly elected members Grant Olson (R) and Jeffrey Russell (R).  The council then unanimously elected councilman Tony Dolce (R) to serve as council president.  Dolce replaces former council president Marie Carrubba (D), who remains on the council but steps down as president due to her party losing the majority following the 2019 general election.

During his remarks, Dolce said it is time for the council to help guide the new administration through the new year.

“Along with our new mayor, there will be several new department heads as part of his administrative team. While these changes present new directions and opportunities, they will also bring about many challenges,” Dolce said. “This city council must step up and help the mayor and his administrative team through the learning process regarding the many procedures and policies that need to be implemented. We as a council stand ready and willing to assist the mayor and his administration to work towards continuing to build on what we have accomplished and to continue to make a better future for the city of Jamestown.”

Dolce is the longest-serving council member in the city’s history, having been on the council for 25 total years. It is the first time he was elected by his colleagues to serve as council president at the start of a new council term, although he had also served as council president for a few months in 2007 to finish that term when then-president John Calamunci stepped down after moving out of the city.

Eddie Sundquist

JAMESTOWN – The mayor-elect of Jamestown has gone on record saying the annexation of a piece city-owned property in the Town of Ellicott is not something he would immediately pursue if serving as mayor, saying he doesn’t believe it would foster good will with municipal neighbors.

Local attorney and Democrat Eddie Sundquist said during his election campaign that the annexation has become a contentious issue between Jamestown and its neighbors, adding that he would have preferred to sit across the table from those neighbors before taking legal action to pursue annexation. However, he also said that if the issue is put into play before he is sworn in, he would have little ability to stop it.

“The biggest thing I’m going to have trouble with is that, most likely, the current city council and the board of public utilities will take some action on the [annexation] before the end of the year and as new mayor, I may be bound to that action,” Sundquist said. “For me, as someone who negotiates every single day as part of my job, I think we do need to start to negotiate before we decide to move into further litigation.”

Sundquist made his comments during a September 26 meet the candidates forum at the Robert H. Jackson Center and hosted by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. He eventually won election to be Jamestown’s next mayor earlier this month on Election Day, defeating opponents David Wilfong (R) and Andrew Liuzzo (Libertarian) and after current Mayor Sam Teresi announced he wouldn’t be serving a sixth consecutive term.

On Wednesday the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities voted to continue the annexation effort that started in January 2017. That initial effort culminated in August of this year with a decision from the State Appellate Division – Fourth Judicial Department in Rochester, which ruled against the city’s original petition to initiate a court review on the matter was untimely. As a result the city lost the case on a technicality but still had the option to proceed with another effort.

With the BPU’s action, the ball is now in the Jamestown City Council’s court and with two voting sessions remaining, the city council will likely vote to file for a petition of annexation before the end of this year. That vote would move the process forward and initiate a required joint public hearing. But any final annexation vote by the city will likely have to wait until the new year when Sundquist is also sworn in as mayor. That means Sundquist would have the ability to veto any final annexation approval by the city council.  However, the city council could then have the option override the veto as long as it had a two-thirds majority vote – which would require a yes vote from at least six of the nine council members.

Of the nine council members who unanimously supported annexation when it was first approved by the city council in August 2017, six of those members (Brent Sheldon, Tony Dolce, Vickye James, Marie Carrubba, Tom Nelson and Kim Ecklund) would still be on the council in 2020.