Jamestown City Council work session (January 23, 2023)

Jamestown City Council is proposing to increase both Council and the Mayor’s salaries with some caveats following recommendations by the Jamestown Salary Review Commission.

Finance Chair Kim Ecklund said the consensus from Council members is to raise the City Council member’s salary to $7,000; the Council President’s salary to $8,000; and the Mayor’s salary to $82,000.

The current salaries are $5,000 for Council members, $6,000 for Council President, and $72,000 for the Mayor.

Council Member at Large Jeff Russell proposed adding language to the local law that states the Mayor’s position is a full-time job, “Meaning, he or she that holds the office going forward should forgo any other paying employment or engagements unless City Council grants approval on a case by case basis, by request from the City Council.”

Russell said when employed by the Jamestown Police Department, he had to make a written request to the Police Chief to get approval if he wanted to take on secondary employment.

Council member Marie Carrubba agreed with the proposal, saying the practice is common for a lot of non-profits where the executive director needs permission from the board for outside employment, “Because again, as you state, they consider it a full-time job and that they want all your attention focused on that job and that job alone. It also eliminates conflicts of interest with outside employment for any number of reasons. I would support that. I tend to agree. I think as government and problems become more complicated, it really requires full time and attention.”

Mayor Eddie Sundquist said the proposed change would require a Charter change. The current Charter simply says the Mayor’s position is full-time with no language about outside employment.

Currently, in addition to being Mayor, Sundquist is a Court Examiner for the County, still maintains a practice at Raimondo & Sundquist LLP; and according to the Jamestown Post-Journal, is an adjunct professor at St. Bonaventure University. Sundquist announced earlier this month he is running for re-election this November.

If approved, the salary increases would not go into effect until January 1, 2024.

• MOBILE APP USERS: LISTEN VIA SOUNDCLOUD

Originally airing Thursday, May 23, 2019

WRFA’s Jason Sample talks with newly appointed Robert H. Jackson Center president Kristan McMahon to learn more about her vision for the organization as well as some upcoming projects and programs that are taking shape for this summer.

Kristan McMahon

After an extensive national search led by a team of current board members, McMahon’s appointment was announced in April 2019. She will be responsible for leading the Jackson Center’s team of professionals while growing the scope, reach, and value of the organization to its local, regional, and national partners, the Jamestown community, donors and sponsors, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

“We are very excited that Kristan is taking on the role of President of the Jackson Center,” says Tom Schmidt, Chair of the Jackson Center Board and current interim President. “She brings a clear vision and an exceptional combination of energy, leadership, and a legal background. We expect that Kristan will be able to continue and grow our excellent programming, but also work with partners and donors to help bring Justice Jackson’s values and message to a wider audience. The Board of Directors is looking forward to establishing a strong working relationship with Kristan as she moves into this new role.”

McMahon joins the Jackson Center after nearly 20 years as a practicing attorney and brings a wide range of experience in the non-profit and association sector.

One of the hallmarks of her most recent work is the diversity and inclusion guidance she has provided to non-profits and associations over the last two years; she also brings significant non-profit board experience, on national and regional organizations. Most recently, McMahon was Principal of Vetted Solutions, a Washington, DC-based company focused on providing executive search solutions as well as diversity and inclusion and succession planning guidance to associations and non-profits across the United States. Prior to that, Kristan was Counsel-Antitrust for Verizon and a staff attorney with Howrey, LLP.

McMahon is a 1997 graduate of St. Bonaventure University and a 2000 graduate of The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. She serves on the boards of Youth For Understanding, Sitar Arts Center, and American Association of University Women-Falls Church (VA) Branch. She previously served as a member of St. Bonaventure University’s Board of Trustees and as President of St. Bonaventure’s National Alumni Association Board.

“Justice Jackson’s values and guidance are just as relevant today as they were when he served as Solicitor General, Attorney General, Supreme Court Justice or chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg Trials,” said Kristan. “He began as a successful lawyer in the Jamestown community and became a voice of conscience on the national and international stages. His commitment to social justice and civil liberties serve as a reminder for a world calling out for those qualities today. I am honored to work with our board, volunteers, and partners to ensure his wisdom continues to expand its reach.”

McMahon’s first day the Jackson Center was April 29.

The Robert H. Jackson Center (image from www.jamestownupclose.com)

JAMESTOWN – Susan Moran Murphy, the president of the Robert H. Jackson Center will be leaving the organization at the end of this month.

“Susan is an outstanding executive who led us to a new level of excellence. Sue has also significantly strengthened our programs, fundraising, branding and financial position. She was instrumental in securing a $1.5 million New York State Downtown Revitalization grant to renovate our historic building. The Jackson Center has benefited in countless ways due to her exceptional leadership and we thank her for her dedicated service,” said Robert H. Jackson Center Board of Directors chair Stan Lundine in making the announcement.

Under Murphy’s two-and-a-half-year leadership, the Jackson Center exceeded its annual fund goals, significantly increased sponsor support and more than doubled endowment assets by raising contributions of more than $1.2 million. In addition, strategic affiliations have been established with Chautauqua Institution, St. Bonaventure University and University at Buffalo School of Law.

“It is a privilege to have furthered Robert H. Jackson’s legacy in my time at the helm of the Robert H. Jackson Center,” Murphy said. “I am proud that the Jackson Center is a stronger entity now and I would like to thank the Jackson Center board, staff, constituents and our community for their support and friendship.”

Lundine tells WRFA the Jackson Center board will work out details on how to proceed with recruiting and hiring a new president in the coming weeks.

This year’s big read book is “The Round House” by Louise Erdrich.

A kickoff event, featuring a community public keynote and celebration of Native American Culture, will take place Wednesday, March 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Seneca-Allegany Casino & Resort Events Center in Salamanca.

The event will feature Liselotte Erdrich, author, educator and sister of acclaimed author, Louise Erdrich.

There will also be traditional Seneca Nation dance and song, as well as a buffet dinner, including some Seneca delicacies. The event is free and open to the public on a first come, first serve basis for the first 200 guests.

The NEA Big Read in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties is presented in partnership with all 36 member public and association libraries, SUNY College at Fredonia, SUNY Jamestown Community College, St. Bonaventure University, Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES & Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES.

For more information on this event and the 2018 Big Read, visit www.libraries.cc.

Michael Hill

CHAUTAUQUA – Michael E. Hill, currently the president and CEO of Youth For Understanding USA, will be Chautauqua Institution’s 18th president, the Institution’s Board of Trustees has announced.

Hill is an experienced leader of arts, cultural and social service organizations including Washington National Cathedral, The Washington Ballet and United Cerebral Palsy. Youth For Understanding USA is one of the world’s oldest, largest and most respected intercultural exchange programs.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Michael is coming on board. He is a high-energy, visionary leader who understands how to balance tradition and progress,” said Chautauqua Institution Board Chairman James Pardo. “Michael has already logged an incredible track record of success for a person of his years. His unique background will help Chautauqua Institution connect more deeply with the community, reach new audiences and expand our exposure on a national and international stage.”

Hill has a rich, diverse work history with a variety of organizations. In addition to holding senior management positions at several nonprofits, he has extensive experience in fundraising, programming, marketing and communications. He is an international educator and founding faculty member of the Master of Arts Management program at George Mason University, and in 2016 served as an Aspen Institute Non-Profit Leadership Fellow.

Among his achievements, Hill directed a $125 million expansion of the historic Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., securing the largest single gift ever made to a theater in the United States. At St. Bonaventure University, he oversaw the construction of a new museum complex, the addition of an artistic residency center and the quadrupling of programming at the university’s multi-venue arts complex. During his college years, he served for a time as assistant editor for The Chautauquan Daily, and later served for several seasons as a guest critic for symphony and theater while serving as Director of The Quick Arts Center at St. Bonaventure University.

“This is an incredible opportunity to help an internationally recognized, highly respected institution leverage its strengths to engage Chautauquans in new ways and to find new audiences,” Hill said. “I am honored, and I am humbled. I am passionate about Chautauqua Institution’s history and the incredible diversity of its programs. I look forward to reconnecting with the Chautauqua I remember, and listening and learning so we can raise the Institution’s visibility and further enhance its astounding reputation.”

Following Tom Becker’s retirement announcement earlier this year, the Chautauqua board appointed a committee chaired by George Snyder, immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees, to launch a rigorous national search to find a successor. The Institution retained executive search consultants Russell Reynolds Associates, which conducted a comprehensive leadership needs assessment with Chautauqua senior staff, the Board of Trustees, Chautauqua Foundation Board of Directors, major donors and other stakeholders. “Michael emerged as the unanimous selection of the search committee from a pool of incredibly talented and diverse candidates. Our search process reaffirmed the national prominence of the Institution,” said Snyder.

Hill succeeds Becker, who is retiring at the end of 2016 after 13 years as president. The two will work together in the weeks ahead to ensure a seamless transition and an exciting beginning to the 2017 season.

“We thank Tom Becker for his historic service, and we look forward to Michael Hill’s leadership and the perspective he brings from his previous positions,” Pardo said. “Since its beginnings in the 1870s, Chautauqua Institution has had a succession of dynamic, inspirational leaders driving the Institution forward. With a new president, and with a new Amphitheater about to debut, it is truly an amazing time to be a Chautauquan.”

A native of Norfolk, New York, Hill, 42, earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism at St. Bonaventure University, where he is a member of their Board of Trustees, and a master’s degree in arts and cultural management from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He will begin his work at Chautauqua Institution on January 1, 2017.

The Robert H. Jackson Center (image from www.jamestownupclose.com)

JAMESTOWN – The Robert H. Jackson Center will host three separate events for the community in October. The events will feature an appearance by several coaches and athletic officials from St. Bonaventure University, a performance from a nationally known folk singer/songwriter, and an ongoing legal education seminar featuring recently retired Chautauqua County Judge John Ward.

Meet the Bonnies – Oct. 1

A meet the Bonnies event is slated for Thursday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. inside the Jackson Center. Featuring St. Bonaventure coaches Mark Schmidt, Jim Crowley, athletic director Tim Kenney, and members of the SBU admissions team. Hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks will be available.

Tom Rush at Jackson Center – Oct. 11

American folk musician Tom Rush will make a special appearance to benefit the Jackson Center on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at $35 a ticket for general admission and $50 for a VIP ticket which includes a post-show meet & greet with Tom Rush.

Legal Education Seminar with Judge Ward – Oct. 20

The Jackson Center’s fall Continuing Legal Education Seminar titled “A Conversation with the Honorable John T. Ward, A 40 Year Retrospective” is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20. The program is approved for NYS CLE credit for a maximum of 3.0 credit hours. The seminar and luncheon are free of charge, advance registration is required

For more information on all three events is available by contacting the Jackson Center at 716-483-6646 or visiting www.roberthjackson.org.

NY Governor Andrew Cuomo

SYRACUSE – Governor Andrew Cuomo Wednesday brought the Enough is Enough campaign to Syracuse University to announce that a number of private colleges and universities from across the state are joining the initiative.

Several private schools joined the statewide campaign – which is pushing for passage of the Governor’s legislation combating sexual assault on college and university campuses – including nearby St. Bonaventure University and Alfred University.

Under the governor’s plan, Enough is Enough would require all colleges and universities in New York to implement uniform sexual assault prevention and response protocols, previously adopted by the State University of New York.

On Thursday, Governor Andrew Cuomo released a statement, saying he was saddened and shocked at the senseless violence. He also said he sends his thoughts and prayers to Miller and his family, along with all other victims of the shooting.

The shooting involved a soldier stationed at Fort Hood, SPC. Ivan Lopez, opening fire on a group of servicemen. In addition to the 16 who were injured, three others died in the attack before Lopez reportedly took his own life.  Investigators believe the shooting took place following an argument between Lopez and another soldier or soldiers.

Police say Tyler Davis of Rochester was reported missing Sunday, after he was last seen leaving a party on East Union Street early Sunday morning. After an intense search, Davis’ body was found near the west entrance of the campus.

After his body was found, the close-knit campus came together Sunday night for a vigil, designed to remember and celebrate the life of Davis. Grief counselors will remain on campus for staff and students.

Davis was a history major from Rochester and graduated from Bishop Carney High School.

The exact cause of his death has not been released and the investigation is continuing.

Nate Shinagawa

ITHACA – The man who is running against Tom Reed (R-Corning) in the NY 23rd Congressional District Race on the Democratic ticket is announcing higher education as a central campaign issue for him, noting it as an essential part of creating jobs and building the economy. In a prepared statement, Ithaca’s Nate Shinagawa says Americans must support quality public education that gets children ready for college, and Congress must make affordable access to higher education a priority to ensure the United States keeps its competitive edge.

Shinagawa also went on the attack against his opponent, Tom Reed, saying  the Republican’s voting record reveals that he doesn’t share working families concerns about college affordability. Shinagawa points to Reed having voted twice for the Ryan budget – which cuts Federal Pell Grants and other services that makes higher education affordable to thousands of New Yorkers.  

Shinagawa was in Olean on Wednesday, meeting with the St. Bonaventure University Democrats. Shinagawa has also met with administrators and toured the grounds at SUNY Fredonia and plans to continue this conversation at other colleges and universities, including an open forum at Corning Community College in the near future.