MAYVILLE, NY — The Chautauqua County Legislature held its annual reorganizational meeting on Thursday, reappointing Legislator Pierre Chagnon as Chair and solidifying its leadership team for the year ahead.
Republican Legislator Jamie Gustafson was named Majority Leader, with Legislator Lisa Vanstrom serving as Assistant Majority Leader. On the Democratic side, Legislator Bob Bankoski was re-elected Minority Leader, and Jamestown Legislator Tom Nelson was selected as Assistant Minority Leader.
In his opening remarks, Chagnon expressed gratitude and laid out his vision for 2025.
“In this role, I will continue to adhere to high moral standards and strive to exemplify servant leadership. As we begin 2025, I am committed to shifting our focus from merely identifying issues to actively pursuing solutions that enhance our policies, programs, and procedures. To everyone to whom much is given, much will be required—a principle I take to heart in this role.”
Chagnon also drew inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt’s call to action, encouraging legislators to embrace their responsibilities with vigor and determination.
“As Roosevelt said, ‘It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly…’ In that spirit, I encourage all legislators to engage wholeheartedly in the work of 2025, embracing both the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
For more information on the Chautauqua County Legislature, including the 2025 meeting schedule, visit chqgov.com/legislature/legislature.
