The Allegany County Board of Legislators has appointed
Charles Bessette of Wirt to fill a vacancy in its Third Legislative District.
On March 26, 2025, after passing Board Resolution No. 138-25, Bessette was
sworn into office by the Honorable Thomas P. Brown.
Bessette is a 30-year resident of the Town of Wirt and
served 35 years with the United States Postal Service, including 6 years as
managing Postmaster for Allentown, Alma, Richburg, and Little Genesse. He also
served as President of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Allegany Postmaster
Association from 2011 to 2015 and as Adverse Action Representative for United
Postmasters and Managers from 2012 to 2023.
A retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Master Sergeant, Bessette
was Commander of the Bolivar American Legion from 2015-16. He continues his
commitment to volunteerism though work as President of the Cattaraugus-Allegany
BOCES Board of Education, with the Bolivar-Richburg Educational Foundation, and
as a recently appointed member of the ACCORD Corporation Board of Directors.
Following the legislative meeting, Bessette expressed appreciation and optimism for the appointment. “I would like to thank the District III Republican Committee and the Board of Legislators for entrusting me in this important position. It will be an honor representing the people in District III for the remainder of the year.” Chairman Harris noted that in addition to filling the current vacancy in District III, Legislator Bessette is campaigning to serve District III in the subsequent term, which will commence on January 1, 2026.
Bessette fills the seat of former legislator Adam Cyr, who is currently seeking the office of Allegany County Treasurer.
