Wellsville Supervisor: "I'm cautiously optimistic" about local economy

Wellsville Town Supervisor Donald "Tink" LaForge says he is "cautiously optimistic" about the area economy. Those remarks came on the heels of the Walmart announcement that it would not build a store in Wellsville, as had been rumored for years. LaForge spoke with us as he returned from the annual Association of Towns Conference in New York City, which he called "very productive.". LaForge called the Walmart news "disappointing," but said he knew from previous conversations that the mega-giant was looking to construct smaller stores moving forward. LaForge said he expected the Wellsville and Allegany County economy to "pick up in the next year." He said there have been very positive meetings regarding the Lufkin/RMT building adjacent to the Wellsville Airport and that there has been "interest" in property the town owns on Proctor Road for a "potential small business." He said "I think it's not that bad," while admitting that state government "doesn't make it easier." LaForge said he thinks that within 5-6 years, the Wellsville area will get some jobs back and noted that Allegany County is playing a key role in making that happen.