STAFF REPORTS
LOCKPORT, N.Y. — Niagara County is set to gain some influence at the New York State Association of Counties, the powerful advocacy organization that represents the interests of New York state’s 62 counties before the state and federal governments after a local official was placed in charge of a key member organization.
Mary Jo Tamburlin, the county’s legislative clerk, was elected president of the New York State Association of Clerks of County Legislative Boards, part of NYSAC, at the group’s 66th Annual Training School and Conference in Geneseo on Friday. Tamburlin has been clerk of the Niagara County Legislature for 10 years.
“This is a great honor and an opportunity for Niagara County to help shape state policy affecting county legislatures and boards of supervisors,” Tamburlin said after her election. “This also gives me an opportunity to help other counties implement practices that have proven successful here in Niagara County, and to work with experienced legislature clerks and new ones learning the ropes.”
Tamburlin succeeds Brenda Mori, the clerk of the Steuben County Legislature, in the role. Orleans County Legislature Clerk Nadine Hanlon is the group’s treasurer.
“We’re very happy to see Mary Jo recognized for her hard work on our Legislature’s behalf—and really, on behalf of all our county’s residents,” Legislature Chairman Wm. Keith McNall, R-Lockport, said. “Mary Jo wears a number of hats in her role, in addition to providing everyday support for our county’s 15 elected lawmakers.”
Tamburlin also oversees the county’s print shop and mail room, and provides administrative support for Niagara County’s four district coroners.
“We place a lot of responsibility under this office, and we’re pleased that in Mary Jo, we have someone who can deliver results,” McNall added.
The leader of the County Legislature’s Republican bloc agreed with the Chairman.
“Mary Jo will bring some earned knowledge to her fellow clerks and really help legislators around New York state in this new role, and we’re happy to share her,” Majority Leader Randy R. Bradt, R-North Tonawanda, said. “We’re also glad she will be able to serve as a more vocal advocate for our county, and counties in general.”
Joining Bradt in offering congratulations was the head of the County Legislature’s Democrats.
“Mary Jo Tamburlin has always been a dedicated professional, and we know this marks a recognition of that by her peers,” Minority Leader Dennis F. Virtuoso, D-Niagara Falls, said. “I know that this new role will give her an opportunity to assist new legislative clerks as well as tap the knowledge of ones who share her longevity in this role.”