According to the Post-Journal, former sheriff’s office lieutenant James Quattrone announced his candidacy Tuesday during a meeting of the Chautauqua County Republican Committee.

Quattrone is retired from the sheriff’s office and currently serves as the executive director of the United Christian Advocacy Network – or UCAN – City Mission in downtown Jamestown.

He has not yet been endorsed by the county Republican committee and there is still the potential for other individuals to come forward and also seek the party’s endorsement for the office.

Meanwhile, Chautauqua County’s current sheriff, Democrat Joe Gerace, has not yet announced whether or not he intends to run for seventh term. He was first elected to the office in 1994.

WRFA public affairs director Jason Sample recently talked with Julie Franco, Anne Rosenthal, and Victoria Patti about the 2016 Hope & Healing for Chautauqua Week, which will run from June 11 to June 17 and is being coordinated by the Hope Chautauqua Coalition.

The Hope Chautauqua Coalition is comprised of representatives from the Chautauqua Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Council, the Mental Health Association, Evergreen Health Services, Chautauqua Tapestry, the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, local faith leaders, United Christian Advocacy Network, WCA Hospital and many dedicated community members.

The week will not only provide information on local resources that are available for those battling with addiction, but will also feature special guest speakers during the Hope and Healing for Chautauqua forum scheduled for Wednesday, June 13.

Tracy Strawberry

Hope Chautauqua Coalition Coordinator Julie Franco says both Tracy Strawberry – ordained minister and wife of the former pro baseball player Darryl Strawberry – will be on hand for the forum, along with Dr. Robert Myers from the University of New Mexico.

The day-long forum will also feature several other professionals who have experience with helping in the fight against drug abuse and addiction.

The June 13 event is at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville free to attend but registration is required by May 31. To learn more or to register call Franco at 664-3608 or email HopeChautauqua@gmail.com.

In addition to the forum on June 13, several other events are planned for the week, including various training seminars along with a Chautauqua Bright Spots Recognition Event scheduled for June 16 at the YWCA.

A complete schedule of events and activities can be found on Facebook at Facebook.com/HopeChautauqua.