Legislature Passes Amended Measure on Job Creation in County

The Chautauqua County Legislature has approved an amended resolution making job growth the county's top economic development priority. The measure, which was offered by the Republican Majority, replaced the previous resolution that was offered by Jamestown Democrat Fred Larson. After changes he proposed during Wednesday's meeting were shot down by the majority, Larson blamed partisan politics...

Fred Larson: GOP voted against their own changes

The amended measure declared "sustainable disposable income growth" as the top priority. Fredonia Republican Bob Scudder called it a "glorified motion," but said he supports it because it's time to "move on"...

Bob Scudder: time to get something done

Larson said while investment is important in economic development, it doesn't necessarily create more jobs. He cited a presentation he attended in 2024 about a $10 million solar project...

Fred Larson: solar projects don't create jobs

The final resolution was approved in a 17-0 vote and adds that the county's Industrial Development Agency has supported projects the past five years that have created 4,000 permanent and temporary -- or construction jobs, and retained 5,800.

Image from Chautauqua County Government