Callard backed for another term as Legislature chairman

Photos by Tom Rivers – David Callard of Medina and Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville were both backed by the seven-member Orleans County Legislature to continue as the group’s leaders. Callard will serve as chairman with Johnson in the role of vice chairwoman.

ALBION David Callard received unanimous support this morning for a fourth term as chairman of the Orleans County Legislature.

Callard, a retired banking executive, has served 22 years on the Legislature, including the past six years as chairman.

The seven-member Legislature also supported Lynne Johnson for another term as vice chairwoman.

Callard said the Legislature would be “aggressive” this year pursuing state funding for broadband Internet, road and bridge infrastructure, job training programs and economic development. Callard said he would present a more detailed blueprint in April during a “state of the county” address.

David Callard has been a member of the Orleans County Legislature for more than 20 years.

Callard was praised by the other legislators for his commitment to the job.

“He is quite organized and he’s on top of everything,” said Fred Miller of Albion, the lone Democrat on the Legislature. “He’s a good manager and he takes it on as a full-time job.”

Bill Eick, the Republican majority leader, said Callard is an effective leader.

“He is the head of the ship,” Eick said after the organizational meeting this morning. “We all have a good working relationship and we keep each other all informed.”

The Legislature chairman will be paid $17,087 in 2016, with the vice chairwoman at $12,920 and the other five legislators each at $11,390. That represents 2 percent raises from 2015.

Bill Eick and the other legislators take the oath of office which was administered by County Clerk Karen Lake-Maynard.