Prime Rib dinner with keynote speaker NY Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, pictured with event chair Rita Budinger
Respectfully submitted by Linda Fanton, ACWRC
The Allegany County Womens Republican Club (ACWRC) met for their annual dinner at Wellsville Country Club on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Our Mission Statement is: “To Foster Loyalty in the Republican Party and to promote its ideals”. Key note speaker was Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski. Joe shared what is going on in Albany and how to make a difference.
Khurram Dara running for NYS Attorney General in 2026 had an opportunity to share why he is running for that office. WNY Supreme Court Candidates, Hon. Jorge DeRosas running for the 2025 and Bob Richardson running for 2026 were given the time to speak.
Fourteen of the fifteen county legislative candidates running in Allegany County for 2025 were in attendance and had a chance to make statements. Ian Jones running for Allegany County Judge and Jenna Kelly running for Allegany County Treasurer shared their views and why they should be in office. Wellsville’s Kevin LaForge, pictured, spoke to the crowd about his bid to return to the Allegany County Legislature representing District 4 Wellsville/Andover.
District III Legislators, 5 term Dwight Fanton and 3 term Deb Root are stepping down this December and both told how much they will miss it. Treasurer, Terri Ross is also retiring and said, ” I will be at a loss”. She remembered ashtrays on everyone’s desk at the county when she started at age 23. Terri also noted having to work long hours, coming in at the middle of the night to run the dot matrix printer.
First VP, Rita Budinger chaired the event and the 74 people in attendance enjoyed the Wellsville Country Club’s delicious prime rib dinner. Several prizes were given throughout the evening and everyone seemed to have a great time. Table Centerpieces were from Cherish The Moment Floral Studio by Linda Baker, Wellsville.
Contact VP Meg Wright, 716-378-2441 or Treasurer, Alice Stevens, 585-593-1219 if you are interested in becoming a member of Allegany County Women’s Republican Club or would like to attend our next luncheon, November 1, 2025.
