By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
Frank Puglisi has stepped down as chairman of the Cattaraugus County Democratic Party.
Puglisi, who serves as Lyndon town clerk, has been Democratic chairman for seven years.
Members of the Cattaraugus County Democratic Committee are expected to meet early next month to discuss its options, vice chairman Austin Morgan of Freedom said Monday.
Puglisi, who has been hospitalized twice within the past year, submitted his resignation last month, Morgan said.
“In his absence, the committee will look at the upcoming election cycle,” Morgan said. “In June, as a committee, we’ll discuss what Frank’s resignation means. We’ll put the issue before the committee.”
Total Democratic enrollment in Cattaraugus County trails the number of enrolled Republicans 21,013 to 13,616. Among active party members, Democrats trail Republicans 19,617 to 12,548.
Republicans control all 15 seats on the Cattaraugus County Legislature this year after Democrats failed last year to field candidates in any of the election districts after voters approved a new redistricting plan in 2022.
Also, there are no Democrats holding countywide offices. Local municipal governments are increasingly dominated by Republicans.
Morgan knows how hard it is to run as a Democrat in Southwestern New York. He ran against Republican George Borrello of Chautauqua County in a special election five years ago to replace former State Sen. Kathy Young of Olean. He now works for the Western New York Labor Federation, organizing labor across six counties.
Puglisi also ran unsuccessfully against Borrello after Morgan’s loss.
“The party infrastructure makes it difficult for Democrats,” Morgan said. “I still believe our message is the best.”
Morgan said he doesn’t foresee running for chairman, but he would be willing to “bridge the gap” until the party reorganization this fall.
Right now, the committee plans to focus on regrouping and talk about leadership.
Morgan said the committee is excited to have Great Valley Supervisor Dan Brown on the Democratic ticket in the 148th Assembly District and will seek ways to assist his campaign for the open Assembly seat. Brown is running against former Rep. Joe Sempolinski of Steuben County.
In the 23rd Congressional District, committee members will be backing Democrat Tom Carle of Dunkirk.
Cattaraugus County Democrats will also be looking for ways to boost President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, Morgan said.
