WATCH: Fitzpatrick appeared on WYDC’s “Frankly Speaking” last week
By Andrew Harris
Last week the leader of the Steuben County Legislature sat down and discussed a range of updates on the county and give her thoughts on the ongoing litigation brought by Sheriff James Allard.
She gave host Frank Acomb an overview of where Allard v. Steuben County stands after an appeal was filed earlier this month. Fitzpatrick explained that the counties original defense against the lawsuit was unsuccessful, but the right to appeal was exercised by former county Chair, still legislator, Scott VanEtten.
Three defendants were named in the in lawsuit, the county legislature, Scott VanEtten, and Jack Wheeler. The county legislature voted not to pursue an appeal in a 9-8 vote*. County Manager Jack Wheeler choose not to pursue and appeal. VanEtten decided to move forward with his right to appeal the decision which Sheriff Allard reacted to last week when he appeared on, “Frankly Speaking.”
When asked directly to give her thoughts on the appeal, Fitzpatrick didn’t mince words:
“My opinion is that this should be left in the past. We should not be appealing this, we should be moving forward.”
The Chairwoman talked about some of the good things happening in Steuben County and pointed to the new Public Relations Director Eddie VanStine. She explained that his energy and modern skillset have had a big impact on the county:
“He’s so adapt at modern technology and uses all it so well and we all really appreciate that!”
VanStine handles all of the county press relations and social media where he’s dramatically increased the flow of information from Bath.
“His young, enthusiastic approach and positive work ethic,” is a bright spot in county government, Fitzpatrick beamed.
Other news that the Chairwoman discussed with Frank were the launch of some Major law enforcement and artist grants soon to be available. The legislature has also formed a new business roundtable to bring small business owners together with lawmakers and county leadership to learn more about what the needs are, and make connections.
Fitzpatrick did also make two other pieces of news during the interview on “Frankly Speaking.” The first is that she intends to seek another term as Chair of the Legislature and the second is that her favorite food from the Steuben County Fair is deep fried Oreos !!
*Previous reporting by this site and by other outlets have stated that the vote against filing an appeal in the Allard v. Steuben County matter was 10-7. As verified by Chairwoman Fitzpatrick, the vote was 9-8.
