County Executive PJ Wendel, center, discusses the storm damage outside of Forestville on Wednesday.
FORESTVILLE — In stepping forward to lead a press conference this week to address a tornado touching down on the outskirts of this hamlet, Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel can be at his best. He’s an excellent communicator and never shies away when there is an emergency.
Minutes after his briefing with Western New York media, he offered this Facebook post: “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the incredible first responders and resilient residents of Chautauqua County for their tireless efforts in the aftermath of (Wednesday’s) severe storms,” he wrote. “Your dedication and hard work have been truly inspiring. Neighbors helping neighbors.”
Wendel, like our news staff, witnessed the devastation only hours after the dangerous winds stirred chaos and a bit of fear. A barn was destroyed on Henry Road. Trees blocked Shaw Road outside the hamlet. Other structures sustained damage.
When it comes to emergencies, the county seems to always rise to the occasion. Handling the business of running the government with an eye on the future, however, often has an uninspired appearance.
Through the first six months of 2024, if there was a midterm grade to be handed out for how Chautauqua County is operating its $294 million operation it would be a C-. This rating is based on the actions of the Legislature as well as the administration.
Despite a focus on tourism and a branding effort to bring business and residents to the region through a CHQ campaign, lawmakers and elected officials prefer to remain in a comfort zone when it comes to having plans for the future. While that slow and steady pace helps get politicians elected, it does little to change results.
For five decades, the county has lost businesses and population going from nearly 150,000 to 124,000. Though some of the exodus is due to us being in the heart of the rust belt and being located close to the border of Pennsylvania, there is no question we have to go in a different direction.
That means looking at the larger scope, not just day-to-day operations. Running the county is more than maintaining roads, dressing up public transit and delivering services.
It has to include decisions that are driven with a mission. Right now, unfortunately, it appears our leaders are far too content while being stuck in neutral.
Some of that smugness comes from the problems that surround, but do not include, county government. Dunkirk’s fiscal woes of being in the red $16 million have been well documented in this corner while Jamestown is facing a potential $2 million to $3 million budget gap.
Even Fredonia has gotten in on the financial highwire. In going over its recent expenses and revenues, the village last month was in an $888,000 hole.
These troubles reflect not only on the individual entities, but on the county as a whole. To their credit, lawmakers have been riding high with a $37 million surplus. While that’s fiscally responsible, it’s also a sign the politicians are withholding money that could be in taxpayer pockets.
What would be refreshing is a Legislature and executive who were more aggressive. Consider some of the major issues that have not been addressed since January by the largest entity:
— There’s plenty of questions and concerns surrounding the construction of the Chautauqua Lake bridge, which is focused on much of the county’s promotional material. Why are officials not asking more questions or having state Department of Transportation officials show up at committee or Legislature meetings to address these issues?
— Speaking of the lake, why is there no resolution or discussion regarding the major wetlands dilemma facing the south county resource and being discussed by the state Department of Environmental Conservation? What are legislators waiting for?
— Declining enrollment and money issues are plaguing the State University of New York at Fredonia. Why haven’t these officials sought answers or reached out to help one of the largest employers in the region?
— There’s growing dissatisfaction with the North County Water District, which the county oversees. While lawmakers approved creating a new position — something they’re very good at — to be an administrator, what are they doing about the discord that’s being heard from the town of Portland and village of Brocton? Just sitting back and letting the frustrations fester has led to dissension that could damage future relations.
— What will the county do about continuing municipal struggles, especially for those with the big-ticket items of police and fire service? Will it continue to look the other way or will it try to formulate regional solutions?
Overall, there is one item the Legislature has accomplished for the future when it comes to overseeing the workforce of more than 1,350. Legislators continue to dole out pay raises at an alarming rate — especially for themselves.
In February, they approved salary hikes for the top elected positions — as well as a 63.7% increase for themselves starting in 2026. Though maddening to some, that may be their only real achievement so far this year.
But that action did nothing to help their constituents. Instead, the vote that was carried by the so-called conservative Republicans was self-serving, especially for those who will be running for re-election.
For a county with so many issues, how does the one that affects so few become the most pressing for these representatives? There’s plenty of rationalizing in Mayville, but it speaks to the same issue this corner harps on when it comes to county government in recent years: There is a persistent lack of vision — and priorities.
Unless, however, the topic benefits those — like self-serving pay raises — sitting in the legislative seats.
John D’Agostino is editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.