ASHVILLE - Legislator Jay Gould, R-Ashville, a lifelong resident of Chautauqua County and 42-year resident of Ashville, is seeking re-election for the Chautauqua County Legislature for the District 19 seat that includes North Harmony, Harmony and part of Busti.
Gould has been endorsed by the Republican Party, the towns of North Harmony, Harmony, and Busti, and the Republican Committee.
"I have been working hard for the residents of District 19 for the past 12 years and I would like to continue being their strong voice in Mayville," Gould said. "Throughout my time as legislator, I have always supported legislation that relieves the burden of the taxpayer, supports the protection and conservation of our natural resources including Chautauqua Lake, and enhances the quality of life for area families with an emphasis on promoting employment opportunities for our area youth. We face a serious issue in Chautauqua County and that is the property tax. The state mandates are the primary cause of the current high property taxes in Chautauqua County. I will continue my efforts to convince our State officials to lighten the mandates on Chautauqua County thus, lowering our residents' property tax burden
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Jay Gould
In addition to representing District 19 in the County Legislature, Gould serves as the chair of the legislature's Audit & Control Committee and is also a member of the Aging, Human Services and DWI committees in addition to the Farmland Protection, Cornell Cooperative Extension-Chautauqua County, Off Track Betting and South Central Sewer District boards and the Southern Tier Railroad Authority. He has also served on the Region 9 Fish & Wildlife Management Board, the County Executive's Bemus Point/Stow Ferry Committee and the legislature's Energy Committee. He also attends the regular sessions held by the Busti, North Harmony and Harmony town boards and the Parks Commission. In addition to these responsibilities, Gould serves as a board member for the Center for Family Unity Inc., which covers the Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua region.
Gould, who has an environmental and agricultural education background, has been employed by the Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District for more than 39 years. Prior to his service as District 19's legislator, Gould was a 12-year member of the Harmony Town Board. He is also the retired owner and operator of Chautauqua Perennial Gardens, a greenhouse/nursery facility he ran for 35 years.
"I am proud of the 12 years that I have represented the residents of District 19 in the Legislature. I am deeply appreciative of the support that I have received from my constituents and look forward to continuing to meet the goals, challenges, and responsibilities set forth by the Chautauqua County Legislature," Gould said.
Fact Box
Election 2011