Former Chair Scott VanEtten is “entitled to county legal resources to pursue his appeal”
By Andrew Harris
Last week we reported that Steuben County legislators approved an appeal of the NYS Supreme Court ruling in favor of County Sheriff James Allard. The Sheriff had just appeared on BIG FOX “Frankly Speaking,” and told host Frank Acomb that he was shocked the legislature would pursue an appeal.
When current County Chairwoman Kelly Fitzpatrick read our coverage of the interview she was disappointed because it was said that the County filed an appeal. Neither she or the legislature approved any such legal action. The Chairwoman reached out to clarify that the Steuben County legislature voted against any appeal in the case in January 2025 with a 10-7 vote.
The appeal which was filed last week, was filed by former legislature chair and current Steuben County Legislator Scott VanEtten. Per state law, any of the defendants served with a lawsuit of this nature have the right to file appeal.
Chairwoman Fitzpatrick explained that while the legislative body and County Manager Jack Wheeler chose not to appeal, VanEtten is able to appeal on his own:
“While the legislature as a whole voted against this appeal, Mr. Van Etten, was the sitting Chairman at the time Sheriff Allard filed this action against the county. In that capacity he is entitled to county legal resources to pursue his appeal,” explained Fitzpatrick.
The saga of Allard v. Steuben County NY will continue in state courts and in the court of public opinion until this appeal is decided. Read the full appeal below.
Chairwoman Fitzpatrick will be sitting down with Frank Acomb on his popular local talk show, “Frankly Speaking” on WYDC Big FOX this Thursday. Tune in at 720am here, or catch our coverage of the conversation after the interview.
