Republicans stave off Democrat challenges in Chautauqua Co., and 23rd Congressional District...
Some are calling last night's elections nationally a "Blue Tsunami." However... in Chautauqua County... it was a "Red Wave..." except for one race. It appears Republicans will gain a seat on the county legislature... adding to their majority. City Democrat Chairman... County Legislator Tom Nelson... won back his seat... but, was disappointed to see the District 9 seat go to Republicans by 12 votes, with Newcomer John Vogan receiving 795 votes... to Vince DeJoy's 783. DeJoy has moved to North Carolina... but, his name was still on the ballot. However... if he was elected... retired Legislator Chuck Nazzaro... was going to be appointed to that seat until a Special Election in 2027. As for the City Council... Democrat Jason Sample won the Special Election for Ward-2 to replace the late Tony Dolce. Nelson was very happy to see him win... adding that Sample "worked super hard... he was all over that ward." He adds the Sample has big shoes to fill in replacing the late Tony Dolce. Sample received 620 votes to Republican Brian Bigelow's 512. Bigelow will remain in that seat until Jan. 1 after being appointed to fill out 2026. In a statement issued following his victory... Jason thanked the voters of the second-ward for "putting their faith in me to represent them on the Jamestown City Council, and the Jamestown Democratic Committee for choosing me as their candidate." He says he intends to "remain accessible, listen, and helping residents address the issues that affect their daily lives." He also thanked Councilman Bryan Bigelow for running a positive campaign... and, serving the ward through the end of this year.
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Sample's win will give Democrats a 6-3 edge on council in 2027. The other close race for the county legislature was in District 11... where Democrat Bob Whitney leads Republican Jeremy Maggio after Election Night by just 15 votes.
Langworthy re-elected, expresses humbleness in again serving in his hometown area...
There was a red wave in Chautauqua County... and, the 23rd Congressional District... where Republican Representative Nick Langworthy was re-elected to a third-term. At his campaign headquarters... Langworthy said he's again humbled to be elected the region's Congressman... a region he grew up in. The Niagara County Republican says to have the mandate and vote he got was a "very humbling experience." Langworthy reiterated his team's motto of "no problem is too big... and, no problem is too small..." in how he does his job. He says he will continue to be a strong voice in the House of Represenatives... and fight for the residents. Langworthy won Chautauqua County by more than 8,000 votes... and, district-wide... received about 59% of the vote to Aaron Gies' 40.7%.
Teenager killed in weekend crash in Sinclairville identified...
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office is now confirming the identity of the 16 year-old boy killed in last weekend's car crash in Sinclairville. The Jordan Funeral Home in Sinclairville is handling arrangements for the boy -- Jake "JJ" Dellahoy, Jr. of Stockton. His obituary says Jake was a sophomore at Cassadaga Valley Central School... and, he died from injuries suffered in the accident... which occured very early last Saturday morning, Oct. 31. Another 16-year-old boy involved in the crash is being treated at a regional hospital for serious injuries. The funeral for Jake Dellahoy, Jr. will be held this Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Jordan Funeral Home.
Wendel signs 2027 budget approved by county legislature...
Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel has officially signed off on a new, $330-million budget for 2027 that again cuts the tax rate. However... the measure approved by the legislature increases the tax levy... or the amount to be raised by taxes... by $1.8-million. Wendel says... while he still believes his no tax levy increase spending plan was "doable..." he was okay with what the legislature adopted since the budget was still under the state's property tax cap... and, the rate was brought down by 71-cents per $1,000. Wendel says the tax rate in 2027 will be $5.46 per $1,000 assessed value... which is 14-cents more than he initially proposed. The Lakewood Republican adds, though, that he's concerned that some lawmakers aren't getting the full picture of what's in the spending plan... and, he says Finance Director Kitty Crow said she will explain what's not understood. However, some lawmakers haven't taken her up on it. Wendel made his comments for this coming weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Glenora Radio Network stations.
City woman accused of trying to use child as a "shield" to avoid arrest...
A woman from Jamestown is accused of trying to use a child as a shield from being arrested following an altercation on the city's eastside. Jamestown police were called to the location shortly after 4 a.m. Tuesday on a report of a disorderly person... and, found 23 year-old Desiree Barr engaged in the backyard altercation. Officers say Barr then retreated in to the home... and, picked up a child in an effort to shield herself from police. When they tried to take her into custody... Barr resisted briefly before being arrested for endangering the welfare of a child... second-degree obstructing governmental administration... and, resisting arrest. She was held pending arraignment.
