The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce held its annual “Congressional Breakfast” Friday with the district’s new congressional representatives. Pictured, from left, are Dan Heitzenreiter, president and CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, and Joe Sempolinski, Rep. of New York’s 23rd Ward.PJ photo by Timothy Flood

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce named newly-elected U.S. Representative Joe Sempolinski to its annual “Parliamentary breakfast” Event held at Moonbrook Country Club on Fridays.

Dan Heitzenreiter, Chairman and CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, expressed the organization’s gratitude for the newly elected representatives to speak at the event. Heitzenreiter had previously expressed concern that he might not be able to host this year’s annual event because seats in Congress were vacant prior to Sempolineski’s special election on August 23.

Sempolinski was formally sworn into office on September 13, just in time for the Chamber’s annual event.

In addition to Sempolinski, State Senator George Bolero, State Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, and Chautauqua County Administrator PJ Wendell attended the event along with county legislators and other county officials.

Sempolinski said the event is unique because it provides an opportunity for dialogue and interaction between district representatives in the House of Representatives, local and state elected officials, and the business community.

Before answering questions from local business leaders and county officials, Sempolinski expressed his commitment to accurately represent his voters.

“To me, the first priority of any elected official is to serve the people you represent.” He said. “When I vote, I speak for the people. I work for the people of the 23rd Ward. It’s a one-time honor.”

Heitzenrater introduced Sempolinski as a South Tier tenured resident who had served as district director for District 23 prior to the recent election.

After being elected, Sempolinski was appointed to the Education and Labor Committee, the Budget Committee, and Washington’s Early Childhood Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee.

Despite being newly elected to the House of Representatives, Sempolinski said he had already voted on dozens of pieces of legislation and had the opportunity to speak on behalf of the people of the 23rd Ward.

Sempolinski is in a unique position as his term expires on January 3 after either Republican candidate Nick Langworthy or Democratic candidate Max Dela Peer is elected in November’s midterm elections. explained.

“There’s a song that tells you to live like you’re dead.” He said. “In my situation on the legislature, I am legislating as if I am dying. We take very seriously the need to make the most of the time you have given us.”

Mr. Sempolinski told local business leaders and county officials that serving on the subcommittee responsible for overseeing the education of American students was an honor. ‘Deep responsibility’ Given the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has posed to education and the development of the next generation, one of Sempolinski’s top priorities in the House is to pass laws and regulations that ensure students have the education they need for the future. to promote policy.

Similarly, Sempolinski stressed the importance of preparing people to join the workforce by encouraging trade skills and alternative educational experiences.

Sempolinski addressed business leaders’ concerns about population decline, labor shortages, supply chain shortages, state policies on business, and a wide range of additional topics.

Sempolinski said there are steps the federal government can take to help local businesses in Chautauqua County, but the policies approved by the state will allow businesses in western New York to move to neighboring Pennsylvania and the United States. He said it was getting harder to compete with Ohio companies.

Mr. Sempolinski said businesses are vital to their communities and play an important role in local economies.

“Thank you for what you do as a businessman in your community.” He said, “It’s about making sure the community works and runs and people get jobs.”

Sempolinski suggested that businesses in the region would benefit from a change in state leadership, but he advocated pro-business policies in the House during his tenure, and will continue to do so, regardless of the outcome of the midterm elections. I explained. Connect with voters to better represent people.

“If you are an elected official, the people in your district are the people you work for. He said. “They deserve to know what you are doing in Washington DC.

Sempolinski told The Post-Journal that his current focus is on finding ways to improve the education system by working on economic development projects in the 23rd Ward.

“We are very focused on education, especially special education.” He said, “Ensuring that people with disabilities have the resources they need to be educated, productive and work in society.”

Heitzenrater said the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce was pleased with the event and excited to continue providing opportunities for the business community to interact with elected officials. While he acknowledged that businesses face many challenges right now, the Chamber of Commerce is looking at ways businesses can connect with individuals responsible for guiding policies and laws that can affect the business world. said it plans to continue to offer