Shad Alsworth has served the Town of Wellsville for over 15 years, read full resignation letter
By JOHN ANDERSON
Like he’s done so many times the past seven years as Wellsville Town Supervisor, Shad Alsworth took his place at the table and his gavel started the meeting with a bang.
Just 15 minutes later, he was sitting in the crowd.
Alsworth tendered his resignation as supervisor from the board and took a seat with the audience. Deputy Town Supervisor Patricia Graves was now running the meeting with board members Greg Day, Nicolas Gunning and Justine Dodaro.
Alsworth’s resignation letter praised the current board and town employees and said, “The demands of this role have required sacrifices in my professional life, my personal pursuits, and, most importantly, time with my family. I have reached the conclusion that I no longer have the time or the will necessary to devote myself fully to the responsibilities this office deserves.”
When reached by phone after the meeting, Alsworth was already in full retirement mode from the board to spend more time with family. Shad and his wife, Maggie, were packing as their daughter, Pala, is heading off to college.
After more than 15 years of public service on the board, Alsworth laughed when asked what was the real story.
“There’s No smoking gun, no story to be told,” he said with a laugh. “It was just time to go.”
He said his thoughts out loud to board members for half a year.
“I had forecasted this for six months. They knew — I don’t think they took me seriously — but they knew. And I did tell them before the board meeting,” Alsworth said. “I answered all the questions the department heads had and got the budget started, everything should be in order.”
TOWN TAXES
Local municipalities, from towns to villages, do not have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to making cuts, especially when you have needed and mandated services. The Town of Wellsville has the airport, Island Park and a lot of challenges with roads and infrastructure. Alsworth said the town is on solid ground.
“The town board has been super diligent about shaving wherever they could. The town is in very good financial standing,” he said. “They have appropriate levels of unallocated fund balances, which is special, fancy jargon for money set aside for a massive issue where we would not have to impose a large increase in taxes if something went wrong.”
Alsworth refused to take any credit for the success of the board the last dozen years.
“The board has done a good job predicting future issues and keeping the taxes down,” he said. “And I don’t expect this budget to be any different. The people we have representing us now are strong-minded, good-intentioned people so we should not have any issues.”
WHO TAKES HIS SEAT?
Alworth’s term would have expired at the end of 2027.
His move to resign was calculated. Had he resigned before August 3, the Republican and Democratic parties would have put names in front of the board to pick a candidate to fill the rest of the term. With a mix of Republican’s, Democrats and an Independent candidate, Alsworth said those on the board doing the work should pick his replacement until the end of the term.
Because Alsworth waited until the meeting Wednesday night (August 12), the board will pick his successor.
“I waited until after the third so this would not be an issue. I did not think that it was fair for a party to put up a candidate. The board has done so much work, they should pick who is on the board instead of two political parties making a decision, it goes to the hands of those who know what the best answer is.” Aslworth said.
The position will be open for voters to decide in November of 2027, but a primary would take place in the spring of 2027.
“They will have time to find the right candidates to put up to be elected,” he added.
Here is Alsworth’s full statement that was accepted by the board:
“It has been my honor to serve the Town of Wellsville for more than a decade and a half, first as a Town of Wellsville Councilman and later as your Town Supervisor. Like so many others in our community, I answered the call to service because I believe that giving back is at the heart of what makes Wellsville such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.
Throughout my time in office, I have been fortunate to work alongside dedicated public servants, employees, volunteers, and residents who have generously given their time, talents, and resources to strengthen our community. Together we faced challenges, celebrated successes, and worked to ensure that Wellsville remains a wonderful place for future generations.
After careful thought and reflection, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my position as Town Supervisor.
Public service is both an honor and a responsibility, but it also requires significant personal sacrifice. Those who choose to serve often do so not for financial reward, but because they care deeply about their community. The demands of this role have required sacrifices in my professional life, my personal pursuits, and, most importantly, time with my family. I have reached the conclusion that I no longer have the time or the will necessary to devote myself fully to the responsibilities this office deserves.
Serving as your Town Supervisor has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to work with so many remarkable people and for the support, understanding, and respectful dialogue that I have experienced throughout my years in office.
To help ensure continuity, I have shared a transition plan with the Town Board and remain committed to assisting during this change in leadership.
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me over the last many years. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Wellsville.”
Sincerely, Shad Alsworth
In 2022 Alsworth penned this OP-ED “A Call to Service”
