Legislator Jay Gould, center, received a commendation by the Chautauqua County Legislature Wednesday. Pictured with him are Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon, left, and County Executive PJ Wendel, right. Gould’s last day as a legislator is Dec. 31.
MAYVILLE – Two of Chautauqua County’s legislators, one of which has served for more than two decades, are calling it quits.
Legislator Frank “Jay” Gould III, R-Ashville, and Paul Whitford, D-Jamestown have both submitted resignation letters, effective Dec. 31.
Gould was first elected to the legislature in 2000. Before that, he served 12 years on the Harmony Town Board.
He’s had a number of hats over the years. This year he was the chairman of the Audit and Control Committee, which oversees every resolution that has to do with money. It’s his second time in this position. He was also the chairman of the legislature as well, where he served from 2012-2016.
“My highlight has been running a good budget. I’ve really worked on that. I feel that’s why we are sent to Mayville – to watch the money for the people,” he said during an interview with this newspaper.
He admits he’s been frustrated over the years, sometimes with other elected leaders and sometimes with companies that aren’t paying their taxes. “Certain businesses and factors have ‘in lieu of taxes.’ That’s always bothered me,” he said, declining to give specific names or businesses.
Years ago when there were a lot more Democrats on the legislature, Gould says the meetings would go on for hours. “We used to fight about things until 11 o’clock at night. Now it’s run like it should,” he said.
In fact, it was because of the infighting is why Gould decided to run for chairman. “There was too much fighting,” he said.
Gould, who is 80 years old, had been re-elected last year. He decided to step down now so he can travel south for the winter. “I don’t feel I’m doing the people justice by going to Florida for a couple months,” he said.
By leaving now, the Republican parties of French Creek, Clymer, Harmony, and Busti can appoint a replacement. “Leaving when I did he (a possible legislator) can be appointed for a year and if he doesn’t like it, or if the public doesn’t like him, they don’t re-elect him, but it’s kind of like a trial period,” he said.
Whitford has served as a legislator for the last eight years. Before joining the county legislature, Whitford was the Ward 6 City Councilman, where he served for seven years.
He was appointed to the legislature in December 2014 after Paula DeJoy resigned and elected to the seat in November 2015.
Whitford was not at Wednesday’s county legislature meeting and could not be reached by phone.
He was issued a commendation by the legislature.
County Executive PJ Wendel praised Whitford’s work as an elected official. “I’ve known Paul personally now for 20 years and his exemplary service to the county, but also to the city of Jamestown with multiple boards and political positions he’s held. Paul has definitely been a tireless service for the residents of Chautauqua County, both at the city and county level,” he said.
The legislature has scheduled its reorganizational meeting for Jan. 3 at 4 p.m. At that meeting the legislature may appoint the two legislators upon the recommendations of the local Democratic and Republican committees if so desired.