Staff Report / April 30 2025
At this week’s meeting of the Steuben County Legislature, Thurston Town Supervisor Michael Volino stated that residents of Thurston stand in support of Sheriff Allard and are opposed to any further legal proceedings involving the Sheriff. The full resolution is included below.
Whereas, Sheriff James Allard is duly elected, first elected in 2016; and Whereas, NYS Supreme Court Justice Jason Cook ruled in November 2024 the Steuben County Legislature’s removal of the sheriff’s indemnification through local law was unlawfully enacted and invalid; and Whereas, Steuben County has spent nearly $200,000 on legal representation and media consultants since 2023; and Whereas, the Sheriff has the Constitutional right to free speech under the First Amendment to criticize legislators as he sees fit; and Whereas the divisions between the Sheriff and County Legislature can be handled through open dialogue and communication, instead of legal action; and Now therefore, be it Resolved, the Thurston Town Board views it’s in the best interest of Thurston and County taxpayers that the Legislature does not appeal NYS Supreme Court Justice Jason Cooks’s decision invalidating a local law removing insurance protections for Sheriff Jim Allard and fully reinstate the Sheriff’s indemnification.
Be it further Resolved, copies of the resolution be sent to Sheriff James Allard and Steuben County Legislative Chairperson Kelly Fitzpatrick and District 9 Legislator Wendy Lozo, to be read at next Regular Meeting of the County Legislature on April 28, 2025 at 10 am.
Motion made by Holly Chase, Council Member
Seconded by Noel Sylvester, Council Member
Roll Call Vote:
Michael J. Volino, Town Supervisor, aye
Holly Chase, Deputy Town Supervisor, aye
Noel Sylvester, Council Member, aye
Dan Gee, Council Member, absent
Jennifer Hargrave,
