The May session for members of the 2017 Leadership Cattaraugus class focused on government functions at three local levels.
During their day, the participants spent time at the Cattaraugus County Building in Little Valley learning how the county’s legislative body operates. The class met with Jack Searles, the county’s administrator and budget director, who gave an in-depth presentation on the county’s Legislature. Searles discussed how elected leaders and department heads at the county level of government work together and provide services to Cattaraugus County residents. In addition, he discussed how county government officials are stepping up to meet a variety of challenges.The group later visited the Cattaraugus County’s Department of Public Works facility in Little Valley and was given a tour of the building by Joseph Pillittere, the county’s Public Works commissioner. While meeting with the group, Pillittere gave insights into his leadership style.
During the day’s afternoon sessions, the group visited the Seneca Nation of Indians’ Allegany Community Center in Salamanca. Timothy Flanigan, a Salamanca city council member, spoke about the unique position his city is in, as Salamanca is the only community in the country located on sovereign territory. Todd Gates, president of the Seneca Nation of Indians, and Ross John Sr., a tribal councillor, talked at length with the leadership class about the tribe’s aspirations for prosperity.