Legislature confirms Ned Barone as public defender after failed attempt to extend appointment

The Chautauqua County Legislature confirmed Ned Barone as public defender under Resolution No. 3-26 after rejecting a proposed amendment that would have changed the appointment from one year to two years. Legislator Penhollow moved the amendment (seconded by Legislator Larson); the amendment failed on a roll-call vote of 4 in favor and 13 opposed, with two members absent. The main resolution was then adopted by roll call as recorded: 17 yes, 0 no, with two absent.

Legislator Vince DeJoy spoke in support of Barone, describing him as an experienced attorney and longtime community member. "I’m so glad that he has bipartisan support here in the Legislature and I just want to say thank you Ned Barone, for all the years of service to our County," DeJoy said. Legislator Penhollow argued for a longer appointment term when proposing the amendment, saying he would "ask that we amend this resolution to go from a one year appointment to a two year appointment." The record shows the amendment failed and the confirmation proceeded.