BATH – Remembering three former Steuben County legislators and accepting housing assistance top the county Legislature’s agenda when it meets at 10 am, Monday in the county Annex, 20 E. Morris St. County lawmakers will memorialize the service of three men who served local residents through dedicated service to their communities and as Steuben lawmakers:
• Richard A. Argentieri, D-Hornell
The son of Italian immigrants and a US Army veteran, Argentieri served from 1951-53 in Germany. Argentieri was the CEO and CFO of the Hornell Erie Credit Union until his retirement. The credit union merged two years later with the First Heritage Federal Credit Union. Argentieri’s career as a public servant in the state of New York spanned 50 years, including active membership on both the Steuben County Board of Supervisors and the County Legislature. He wash appointed to the Board of Supervisors in March 1979, to fill the vacancy left by the death of his Uncle Silvino and continued representing the residents of the City of Hornell in District 1 until he retired from the Legislature in 2009. During his tenure on the Legislature, he served as both the Chair and Vice Chair of the Rules Committee, Vice Chair of the Human Services Committee and as Minority Leader of the Legislature. He also served on several advisory and ad hoc committees of the Legislature.
• Gary T. Fraser, R-Almond
Fraser was the Dean of the Alfred State School of Engineering Technologies in 1976 and retired after 30 years at the school in 1988. He was the Town of Almond Supervisor for 10 years. Fraser’s leadership and engineering skills are notable for bringing the town through the Hurricane Agnes flood of 1972.
As a member of the Steuben County Legislature from 1992 through 1993, Fraser represented the residents of Prattsburgh, Pulteney and Urbana in District 5. During his tenure on the Legislature he served as a member of the Administration Committee; the Agriculture, Industry and Planning Committee, and was Vice Chair of the Public Safety and Corrections Committee.
Fraser worked with others to develop the Keuka Lake water level study which led to protecting the shores and properties of the lake.
• William O Hatch, R-Howard
Hatch was an Eagle Scout and sergeant in the Marine Corps from 1965-1968. After earning a Data Processing Certificate from Automation Institute in Anaheim, he became a successful businessman as owner and operator of Staffing and Payroll Solutions, Inc. in Canisteo. Steuben lawmakers honor former colleagues, look at housing needs continue. An active member of the county Republican Party for more than 25 years, Hatch served as its chair for 10 years. stepping down in 2010. He served on the Howard Town Board committees. As a county Legislator, Hatch served the County as a member of the Legislature from January to December 2003, representing the residents of Avoca, Fremont, Howard and Wheeler in District 7. During his tenure on the Legislature, he served as a member of the Public Safety and Corrections and Rules committees.
In other action, Steuben legislators are expected to approve a $214,000 state grant for use in paying security deposits, rental arrears, rent support for qualifying households by Arbor Development with a 7 percent administrative fees. The state grant from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance also will fund utility deposits and utility arrears through the county Department of Social Services.
