Cattaraugus County GOP endorses Smith for district attorney
BY JIM ECKSTROM
The Cattaraugus County Republican Committee unanimously endorsed Ashley Smith of Allegany for district attorney Feb. 26, making the announcement just hours after another candidate said he was bowing out due to health reasons.
County GOP Chairman Mark Heberling said Smith, the county attorney, “represents true Republican values. Ashley has the requisite county experience managing and directing staff, setting policy and handling a significant county budget.”
He added, “As a current county department head, and highly placed county managerial agent, she is already counsel to the district attorney’s office as well as counsel to the law enforcement arms of the county. She embodies the ideal ‘tough on crime’ prosecutor, and we are thrilled to put the weight of the Republican Party behind her candidacy.”
The GOP committee met in Ellicottville to vote on the endorsement, while members also endorsed incumbent Coroner Kevin M. O’Rourke in his bid for another term.
Preston Marshall of Randolph, an assistant public defender and former assistant district attorney, stated on his campaign Facebook page that he’s bowing out from seeking the GOP nomination for DA due to an injury suffered in a serious fall. He had mentioned the spinal injury to the Times Herald but had asked at the time that it not be made public.
“My medical situation will require a surgery in March followed by a three- to sixmonth recovery,” Marshall said in a statement. “I do not believe that I would have been able to campaign as I so desired. It is unfortunate and I am bummed, but life goes on. Things happen for a reason.”
SMITH, WHO ANNOUNCED her run in January, was clearly the partyestablishment favorite, having already received endorsements from Sheriff Eric Butler and his predecessor, former Sheriff Tim Whitcomb.
Right Thinkers founders Nate Smith and Connie Wolfinger, also influential among the county’s Republicans, added their endorsement of Smith in her run to fill the post held
by Lori P. Rieman, who is not seeking another term.
Comments offered by supporters and GOP committee members emphasized Smith’s party credentials and legal experience. Marshall, while still a candidate, had suggested her lack of experience in the criminal court system made him the better choice.
Former Assemblyman Joe Giglio of Gowanda, who was in Ellicottville for the GOP meeting, said he backed Smith “with great enthusiasm.”
“These are very complicated times in the state of New York as our criminal justice system keeps being dismantled by the majority in the State Legislature and our current and past governors,” he said in a statement. “Ashley is a product of this community and therefore knows the needs of its residents and understands what is expected of a public servant.”
County GOP Committee member Mary Kehoe Fay stated that the district attorney plays a pivotal role in upholding the constitutional rights of its citizens by presenting evidence to secure convictions against accused criminals.
“To this end ... (Smith) has the background and experience to competently bring criminals to justice and keep our county safe,” Fay said, adding Smith was at the top of her class in law
She has also served on the New York State Attorney for the Children Panel and is a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Jamestown Bar Association and Cattaraugus County Bar Association.
Smith is a graduate of Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School, Gannon University of Erie, Pa. and Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
school having been admitted to the New York State Bar in 2009.
“Her experience over the past 15 years as an attorney, including Cattaraugus County attorney since 2020, has taught her the value of strong evidence to convict criminals,” Fay added.
Butler, the sheriff, added, “Having worked with (Smith) daily over the past several years, I have seen firsthand her dedication, expertise and tenacity. I have no doubt that she will bring the same
relentless commitment to the role of district attorney, serving our community with integrity and excellence.”
SMITH SAID, as a lifelong Republican, fellow GOP committee member in the county and president of the Cattaraugus County Women’s Republican Club, she is honored by Wednesday’s party endorsement.
“They recognize that principles, a strong work ethic and values matter — especially when it comes to how prosecutors approach his or her cases,” she said. “I am a law-and-order candidate who will be tough on crime and work hard to put dangerous criminals in prison.”
Prior to her appointment as county attorney, Smith worked in private practice with a Jamestown law firm. She was elected the Leon town justice and served as municipal attorney for the city of Salamanca, the towns of Napoli and New Albion and the village of Cattaraugus.
Soak up these luxurious bathroom features
Kitchens and bathrooms are two popular areas to address when renovating a home. Modernize Home Services says 26 percent of sellers make bathroom improvements to their homes before listing. Midscale bath remodels will net a return on investment of about 64 percent, while a luxury bathroom overhaul has an ROI of about 57 percent. When considering bathroom renovations, homeowners may want to include some unique features that can add style and function, not to mention some much-deserved luxury. With that in mind, the following are some luxurious features to consider.
• Heated floors: There is something to be said for stepping out of the shower and being met with warmth underfoot. Heated floors are not just for people who live in cold climates, either. When the air conditioning is pumping on hot days, tile floors can feel chilly. Heated floors also are aesthetically appealing because homeowners don’t have to factor in baseboard heaters or forced-air vents.
• Steam showers: There are many different steam showers on the market, and each can turn regular showers into steamy spa-like enclaves. A steam shower is similar to a sauna and utilizes a steam generator to produce steam in a single area, advises Badeloft® Luxury Bathrooms.
• Soaking tub: Although the majority of people shower as part of their daily hygiene routine, a deep soaking tub separate from the shower is ideal for those who enjoy a good bath.
• Luxury mirror: Upgrading the bathroom mirror to one that offers features like defoggers, integrated lighting and a dimmer setting can elevate the bathroom.
• Floating vanity: A
floating vanity is mounted directly to the wall to leave space underneath. Better Homes & Gardens says a floating vanity can lend an airy feel to a bathroom.
• Frameless shower: A frameless (glass) shower door is not only luxurious but also functional for people who want to age in place. With no edge or lip to step over to enter the shower, anyone with mobility challenges can walk into a frameless shower safely.
• Water closet: If space allows, separating the toilet in a water closet from the rest of the bathroom space affords even more privacy. Plus, in couple’s bathrooms, a water closet enables two to use the bathroom at the same time for different functions.
• Walk-in-closet: Relocating the bedroom closet to right off the owner’s bathroom affords an immediate opportunity to dress comfortably, thus streamlining a morning routine.
Bathroom renovations
are worthwhile investments. Choosing some unique upgrades can enhance the design and function of these important spaces.
HEBERLING, NOTING that Marshall had dropped out, said county GOP committee members “wish him well in his upcoming surgery and recovery.” But he added that Marshall “was not a serious contender as his conveniently timed political party switch from Democratic to Republican, along with his current job representing criminals in our community, would have had him facing a series of uncomfortable questions about his candidacy.” Marshall, in his statement Wednesday, thanked “all who reached out to either me or (his wife) Bridget during the last few weeks. Your thoughts and prayers were vital in me recovering as well as I have.
“And, finally, thank you to all who expressed support for my campaign over the last few months. I am humbled by the support and appreciative to no end!”
Heberling also praised O’Rourke, who was unopposed in his most recent re-election bid.
“Kevin has served as coroner for many years and we are supporting his bid to retain his office,” Heberling said.
“Coroners serve the public in a professional, confidential and courteous manner at a time that is very stressful for families and the community. Coroner O‘Rourke will continue to provide compassionate service, and that is why we are pleased to endorse him.”
Photo provided
District attorney candidate Ashley Smith
(second from left) received the endorsement of the Cattaraugus County Republican Committee on Feb. 26. Also pictured (from left) are former Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, committee member Mary Kehoe Fay and committee chairman Mark Heberling.
Madeline Merin, a New York-based designer, the average size of a home in the United States has doubled from 1,000 square feet in 1950 to 2,300 square feet now. Instead of taking down walls, which is often done to make small homes seem more spacious, owners of larger
homes are looking to delineate between rooms to help homes feel more cozy. The global pandemic led some homeowners to rethink the rooms in their homes when many were forced to cohabitate aroundthe-clock. Many would now rather see a return to defined gathering spaces and
areas where residents can retreat for some privacy and personal time. Furthermore, Taylor Hill of Taylor Hill Interior Design says that some homeowners are increasingly appreciative of walls for their architectural appeal and not just for their utility in separating spaces.
It’s been said it takes a village to raise a child. And when it comes to cars and trucks, scores of components are required to ensure a vehicle is operational. Various parts must work in concert to power a car or truck. Drivers may not fully understand the roles of the key components under the hood and elsewhere. The following are some of the parts and features involved in vehicle operation.
• Engine: The engine is the most important component in a gas-powered vehicle. Without it, the vehicle would not move. Most modern vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine, which creates energy by igniting a mixture of fuel and air. Increasingly, however, customers are opting for electric motors that store energy in rechargeable batteries.
• Cooling system: This component keeps the engine at a temperature that is optimal to prevent overheating. It consists of a radiator that transfers heat from the hot engine coolant to the atmosphere; a water pump that forces coolant to circulate; and a thermostat to regulate the engine’s operating temperature.
• Transmission: The transmission is a complex system of gear sets, hydraulic torque converters, and clutches and bands. Automatic transmissions work automatically to shift to accelerate and decelerate as needed for a smooth driving experi-
ence. Drivers control a manual transmission. AutoZone notes there’s also a continuously variable transmission that continuously adjusts the transmission ratio to optimize fuel efficiency.
• Battery and alternator: The battery stores energy so it can be released as electricity to run the vehicle’s electrical components. The alternator is responsible for generating electricity for the vehicle, but also to recharge the battery.
• Catalytic converter: This part is a component of the exhaust system. It is an emissions control device that will transform dangerous exhaust gases into water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
• Brakes: The brakes on a vehicle slow it down and enable it to come to a stop. Cars will have disc or drum brake systems. Disc brakes include calipers, rotors and pads. The calipers are housings for the brake pads and are responsible for converting hydraulic pressure when the driver presses the brake pedal into mechanical force. The brake pads create friction against the brake rotor (a spinning disc), generating the force needed to stop the car.
• Shock absorbers: A car ride would be very rough and bumpy without a suspension system. Shock absorbers are springs that smooth out the ride by ensuring the tires remain in contact with the road surface. Worn shocks can cause vibra-
tions and uneven tire wear.
• Starter and solenoid: The starter is responsible for turning the engine’s crankshaft. When the ignition is engaged, it moves a small gear called a pinion. Then the starter motor spins, cranking the engine to initiate the combustion process. The solenoid is an electro-mechanical switch between the battery and the starter that receives an electrical signal when the vehicle ignition is engaged. The solenoid powers the starter, which helps to crank the engine.
• Steering system: The steering components transfer input from the steering wheel to the front wheels. Modern cars have power steering, which reduces the amount of effort needed to turn the steering wheel. The steering wheel rotates the steering column, which rotates the pinion gear that connects to a rack that extends the width of the vehicle. As the pinion rotates, it pushes the rack, which then moves the tie rods and steering knuckles on the front tires.
Vehicles have hundreds of parts that work together to start and move the car so that people can effortlessly get from point A to point B.
-Twenty-four members of the Cattaraugus-Little Valley FFA Chapter competed at the District 10 Leadership Development Event on Feb. 8.
For many of the students, this was the first opportunity to zip up the blue corduroy jacket — and the school barely had enough chapter jackets to loan out to all of our competitors — an amazing sight to see.
Many members competed in multiple contests. The following individuals are advancing to the Substate competition on March 15: Allie Erhart, third place –Employment Skills; Leah Lincoln, second place, and Marie Bridenbaker, third
place – Junior Prepared; and Eric O’Brien, first place, and Brooke Hess, second place – Junior Extemporaneous.
Cattaraugus-Little Valley had three teams compete, all of whom will continue to the Substate contest. Team contests require more practice after school to ensure they function cohesively together to run a meeting or properly demonstrate Parliamentary Procedure rules.
These teams had many late days together with Katie Mitrowski leading up to the district contests. The top two teams/individuals from each contest category make it on from Substates to States, so a lot more work will be invested before March 15.
Parliamentary Procedure, consisting of team members Breanna Unruh, Allie Erhart, Dannielle Snyder, Nolan Emborsky, Brooklyn Orefice and Tayla Kuhaneck, placed first.
Additionally, two Conduct of Chapter Meeting teams competed this year. Blue team members Makayla Wolfe-Widrig, Liam Manning, Maddy Meyer, Eden Miller, Leah Lincoln, Bella Hegner and Bekah Risley placed first. Gold team members Eric O’Brien, Courtney Hess, Lucilyn Conklin, Cayla Otto, Brooke Hess, Abbi Horning and Ryder Oakes placed second.
Other members who competed in individual
contests but did not advance to Substates in those contests are Breanna Unruh (Senior Prepared), Laci Orefice (Junior Creed), Brooke Hess (Junior Creed and Employment Skills), Mike Lee (Employment Skills), Eric O’Brien (Junior People in Ag), Marie Bridenbaker (Employment Skills), Cayla
Otto (Junior People in Ag), Courtney Hess (Junior People in Ag) and Blake Hill (Junior People in Ag).