Allegany County Leaders Visit White House

August 22-23 – Allegany County Leaders attended a conference at the White House.  The meeting was policy oriented and continued opportunities for discussion between County Leaders and White House Administration Officials.  This bi-partisan event was part of a series the White House has been holding with county-level officials from across the country.  “This was an unprecedented event; it’s the first time any White House Administration has reached out to counties with an invitation of this type and open discussion,” said Chairman Curt Crandall. 

The event was run by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Allegany County Leaders heard presentations from ten White House Officials including Senior Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway.  Officials from the Departments of Energy, Agriculture and Education, a U.S. Trade Representative, and Immigration & Customs Enforcement addressed the delegates as well. Policy discussions focused on agriculture and dairy, the opioid crisis, immigration reform and the impact on New York State, drinking water safety, infrastructure, and changes in tax policy. 

Chairman Crandall stated “The best takeaway was the open-door attitude of the Trump Administration and the desire to help in any way they can to cut through the red tape and bureaucracy to get things done. We left with a list of a couple dozen direct contact phone numbers and email addresses of key departments that can help with federal funding and approvals.  To my knowledge Allegany County has never had this type of direct relationship with the Whitehouse.”

In attendance and representing Allegany County were Legislative Board Chairman Curt Crandall, Legislators Gary Barnes, Bill Dibble, Dwight Fanton, Karl Graves, Steve Havey, Brooke Harris, Mike Healy, John Ricci, Deb Root, and Phil Stockin, as well as County Attorney Carissa Knapp, County Treasurer Terri Ross, and Legislative Board Clerk Brenda Rigby Riehle.