County Lawmakers Back Wendel's State of Emergency Over Potential Migrant Influx

The Chautauqua County Legislature has spoken on County Executive P.J. Wendel's State of Emergency to deal with a potential influx of migrants from the southern border. During their monthly meeting last week in Mayville, lawmakers voted 15-2 to approve an emergency motion fully supporting the action. The measure was introduced by Sheridan Republican Terry Niebel, who called it the right move to keep the county from potentially being overwhelmed by asylum seekers...

Terry Niebel: county is not adequately equipped

Wendel recently estimated the number of migrants and asylum seekers in the county totaled upwards of 80, with at least 30 in the City of Jamestown. Fredonia Democrat Susan Parker says Wendel has been talking with state and federal officials to deal with what could be a very difficult situation...

Susan Parker: need to slow the process down

In the end, though, both Parker and Jamestown Democrat Tom Nelson said they disagreed with the language in the motion and, voted against it. Nelson said he believes the motion sends "the wrong message."