Wellsville Government: LaForge resigns, Alsworth returns

Wellsville Supervisor Donald LaForge
announces his resignation, effective Thursday

Wellsville Town Supervisor Donald "Tink" LaForge submitted his resignation during a special town meeting tonight. It becomes effective Thursday. In a prepared statement, LaForge said he began giving the issue serious consideration during the past "2-3 months." LaForge, who has been supervisor for two years, said he wasn't doing the job justice. The exiting supervisor said that he works for Siemen's in Olean and that job constraints did not allow him enough time to do the job effectively. LaForge said "We're always behind the eight ball...I'm not here enough...I'm not doing a good service for the taxpayers. He added that enjoyed being supervisor. Deputy supervisor Michael Miller, who was appointed to the council last June and won election in November, will temporary lead the town. He said the town board's regular meeting is next week and the council will explore how to fill the vacancy. Town Highway Superintendent Dean Arnold, who also chairs the Wellsville GOP committee, stood up and applauded LaForge. He said, "thank you for your service to the town," and that remark was greeted by a round of applause.

Shad Alsworth return to the Wellsville
Town Board

One vacancy was filled tonight. The Board voted to appoint Shad Alsworth to fill a vacancy on the town board. It's a one year appointment. He'll need to run in November to keep the seat. Alsworth had been on the town council, but opted not to seek re-election last November. Immediately after being appointed, he took his oath of office and returned to the familiar table he sat at for several years.
The town clerk also administered the oaths of office for newly elected board members William Fish, Patty Graves and Michael Miller.
Taking the oath of office, administered by town clerk Sylvia LaChance, from top to bottom: Michael Miller, Patricia Graves, William Fish.