Pierre Chagnon elected chairman of Chautauqua County Legislature

Pierre Chagnon was elected chairman of the Chautauqua County Legislature at the body’s Jan. 2 organizational meeting, receiving 16 votes in favor and one abstention; two members were absent. The nomination came from Legislator Jamie Gustafson and was seconded by Legislator Lisa Vanstrom; nominations were closed by motion and decided by roll call.

In his acceptance remarks, Chagnon said he intends to practice “servant leadership” and to refocus debate from fault-finding toward improving policies, programs and procedures. "I am honored and humbled to continue in the position of Chairman of the Chautauqua County Legislature," he said, and listed priorities for the year that include protecting county property taxpayers and essential services from federal and state cost shifts and expanding partnerships to support economic development, housing and infrastructure investments. The vote followed routine organizational business and the newly elected chair will serve for the 2026 calendar year.