Read brief interview with “Charley” Bessette
From Allegany County, pictured is Judge Brown administering the oath of office
The Allegany County Board of Legislators has appointed Charles Bessette of Wirt to fill a vacancy in its Third Legislative District. On March 26, 2025, after passing Board Resolution No. 138-25, Bessette was sworn into office by the Honorable Thomas P. Brown.
Bessette is a 30-year resident of the Town of Wirt and served 35 years with the United States Postal Service, including 6 years as managing Postmaster for Allentown, Alma, Richburg, and Little Genesse. He also served as President of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Allegany Postmaster Association from 2011 to 2015 and as Adverse Action Representative for United Postmasters and Managers from 2012 to 2023.
A retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Master Sergeant, Bessette was Commander of the Bolivar American Legion from 2015-16. He continues his commitment to volunteerism though work as President of the Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES Board of Education, with the Bolivar-Richburg Educational Foundation, and as a recently appointed member of the ACCORD Corporation Board of Directors.
Following the legislative meeting, Bessette expressed appreciation and optimism for the appointment. “I would like to thank the District III Republican Committee and the Board of Legislators for entrusting me in this important position. It will be an honor representing the people in District III for the remainder of the year.” Chairman Harris noted that in addition to filling the current vacancy in District III, Legislator Bessette is campaigning to serve District III in the subsequent term, which will commence on January 1, 2026.
Interview with Bessette
By Andrew Harris
What is the first thing you want to know more about as a legislator ?
Bessette: I want to get up to speed on the current programs and policies the Legislators and Administrators are working on currently. I have appreciated the conversations I have had so far with Sheriff Cicirello, Treasurer Ross and HR Director Budinger and hopefully in the near future, I will be able to have conversations with the rest of the administrators.
Your service to the country is very impressive. What experience from the Air Force do you expect will be most valuable as a legislator?
Bessette: The core values of the Air Force have always been a guiding light in any management role I have been in. Integrity First, Service before Self, Excellence in all we do.
If I follow these core values, I believe my role as a Legislator will be successful.
As a candidate for Allegany County Legislature, remind us of why you are running? What are your legislative priorities ?
Bessette: The first priority is economic development. We have to find ways to attract businesses to Allegany County to keep our tax base stable.
Ensuring that our county government keeps functioning as efficiently as possible, so we can be fiscally responsible.
Advocating for our veterans through our county veteran’s agency.
Facilitate increased communication with the towns, villages, and our residents.
Many have said that the Allegany County Legislature should be reduced in size and scope while the board recently voted to increase legislators pay. What do you think ?
Bessette: This is a topic that has drawn a bit of attention over the years. Since I was just sworn in today, I do not have qualified opinion on this yet since I am not aware of any research that went into their decision.
