MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello this week established a Citizens’ Advisory Committee that will give advice and ideas for county services and initiatives.
Borrello said the group is made up of county residents involved in their communities, but not directly involved in local government.
Fredonia resident Michael Ferguson, who ran against Borrello on the Democratic ticket in 2017 for County Executive, has agreed to chair the committee.
“I am excited to implement this initiative in 2019 with Mike leading the group as it is something we worked together to establish throughout last fall,” said Borrello. “The Citizens’ Advisory Committee will give me a venue as County Executive to solicit honest, direct feedback on county government operations and ideas for future initiatives. By appointing residents from all over Chautauqua County without direct ties to local government, their impartial honest feedback will help me gauge public opinion and hear fresh ideas.”
Membership will be appointed jointly by Borrello and Ferguson.
So far, Borrello said Cindy Aronson of Bemus Point, Michael Bigney of Jamestown, Pam Burmaster of Sheridan, Michael Laurin of Jamestown, William Locke of Dewittville, Gary Peters Jr. of Jamestown, Edwin Rodriguez of Bemus Point, Rebecca Ruiz of Dunkirk, Loretta Torain of Dunkirk, and Matthew West of Cherry Creek, are on the committee.
The group will meet directly with Borrello bimonthly to discuss current issues facing county government. The members will also have a direct line of communication with the County Executive’s Office to discuss ideas and issues as they arise between meetings.
“I’m honored to serve as the chair of this innovative committee that will bring a new voice to county government,” said Michael Ferguson, Committee Chair. “This board represents a broad spectrum of our community, from seniors to small business people to community influencers who all have a desire for taxpayers to be heard. This isn’t about red or blue, Republican or Democrat; it’s about what is best for the community. I look forward to working with the other committee members and thank George for giving us all an opportunity to be a part of the process.”
An initial meeting was recently held to discuss numerous topics, including local control of the sale of recreational marijuana, feelings on Chautauqua Lake including the current public narrative and county’s consensus strategy approach, and thoughts on the CARTS transportation service.
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