62nd District,
Senator Robert G. Ortt
Robert G. Ortt was sworn into office as a New York State Senator for the 62nd District in January of 2015. From January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2014, Rob served as Mayor of North Tonawanda. In that role, he developed executive experience with an in-depth understanding of local government. Prior to becoming Mayor, he served as the City Treasurer and then, Clerk-Treasurer of North Tonawanda. On April 3rd, 2007, Rob was appointed as City Treasurer by the Common Council. On November 6th, 2007, he was elected to serve a four-year term by his fellow citizens, which began on January 1st, 2008, after he was officially sworn in at City Hall. On November 4th, 2008, the people of North Tonawanda voted to eliminate the position of City Clerk and combine the offices of the City Clerk and City Treasurer to form one position of Clerk-Treasurer, making Rob the first-ever City official to hold that title.
Rob enlisted in N.Y. Army National Guard in October 2001 in direct response to the attacks on September 11th. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where he served from March 2008 until December of the same year. His mission was to serve as a combat mentor/advisor to the Afghan National Police in Kandahar City, the second-largest city in Afghanistan. As the Executive Officer /Unit Movement Officer for an infantry company, he was responsible for ensuring that all the logistical needs of the company were met to facilitate operational readiness, coordinate and run all company meetings, and act as the commander in his absence. He successfully moved $10 million worth of equipment to Afghanistan and back to the United States.
He is the recipient of the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge in recognition of his service.
Prior to entering public service, Rob served as an independent personal financial analyst with Primerica Financial Services. There, he held multiple licenses, including the series 6 & 63 investment licenses, mortgage broker license, and NYS life insurance license. He specialized in assisting middle-income families to reduce their debt and save enough to be able to retire with dignity.
At the start of the 2019 Legislative session, Rob became the Ranking Member of the New York State Senate Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs. One of the accomplishments he is most proud of was introducing and expanding the Joseph P. Dwyer Program across western New York. The program provides peer-to-peer support program for veterans facing the challenges of post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and reintegration into civilian life.
In June of 2020, Rob was elected the Minority Leader by his colleagues in the Republican Conference.
Rob lives in North Tonawanda with his wife, Meghan.
Orleans County Legislature
Chairwoman Lynne Johnson
Orleans County, as all counties across New York State, continues its’ financial challenges imposed upon us by the unfunded State mandates and federally-based laws which inhibit our ability to govern the people of our great county at a local level. As Chairman for the county, I will continue to work hard for the people who have entrusted me with the responsibility of lowering taxes, creating new jobs, promoting good government, and ensuring transparency across all levels of county government.
Current action plans I have been working on include: 1) Continue strong support for our Sheriff and District Attorney as they continue their law enforcement efforts under Albany’s new judicial legislation which favors the criminals; 2) Reengage the Regional Dredging Council (stalled by the COVID pandemic) to help support the positive economic impact of our fishing and boating industries; 3) Accelerate deployment of rural countywide broadband by our vendor, RTO Wireless; and 4) Continue monitoring lake levels under the control of IJC Plan 2014.
Going forward, working across all departments of our county government, I pledge to continue my fight “for the people” who trustingly elected me to this important position. My promise is this . . . To always serve the people! To maintain honesty and integrity in the job you elected me to do. Listen to my constituents and always act in your best interest to the very best of my ability.
Sincerely,
Lynne M Johnson
Orleans County Legislature
Merle L. “Skip” Draper
As we head into 2025, I wanted to take the time to thank everyone for all their continued support. Becoming a county legislator has been a great new experience for me. I am truly humbled and honored to serve as an Orleans County Legislator.
Our Chairman, Lynne Johnson, has assigned me to serve as Chairman of the Public Safety Committee which includes the departments of Probation, Sheriff, Stop DWI, Public Defender, District Attorney, Emergency Management and the Courts. I also serve as Vice-Chairman of the Administration & Finance Committee which includes the departments of the County Attorney, Real Property Tax Services, EAP, Personnel & Self Insurance, County Clerk, Computer Services, and the Office of the County Treasurer.
The Orleans County Legislature has a big year planned for our county which will focus on an ambitious capital program encompassing several projects including repair to the Public Safety Building, further development of the old Orleans GCC Campus, upgrades to the 911 center and finalizing plans for the back-up dispatch center to name a few. We will work on our expansion of the Planning Department including plans for our Waterfront Redevelopment (LWRP), as well as an evaluation of a countywide approach to the management and planning of our collective water systems. Our legislature will continue to work toward the expansion of rural broadband. I also serve as chairman of the Opioid Committee and guide the uses of the Opioid Settlement Funds. We continue to combat the opioid crisis throughout our county. The Legislators will proceed with the goal of regulation of our lake levels. An important task will include creating new economic development projects for all of Orleans County.
Orleans has a lot to be proud of, but we also have a lot of work to do! Collectively we can all work to help Orleans County be the best it can be!
Sincerely,
Merle L. “Skip” Draper
Orleans County Legislature
Donald Allport
‘I am an American’, one of the greatest statements a person can make. To be part of this great political experiment, our Representative Republic, known as the United States of America, is a blessing from God. A nation controlled by ‘We the People’ and held up by the four corner stones: The Constitution, Rule of Law, Capitalism (free market) and the American Spirit (citizens). I am proud and grateful to be an American.
In a state were 95% of our property taxes pay for only nine State unfunded mandated programs (100% of cost at county level), Orleans County is ranked second, out of sixty-two counties, in fiscal responsibility. This is only achievable because of the county employees’ commitment to the citizens of our county, providing services at the lowest possible cost. Another key factor in controlling cost in the county is the cooperation between departments. To the department heads and employees thank you for all you do for our county. Without their commitment, our actions to share services with villages, towns and other counties, to lower cost, would not be successful.
Thank you for allowing me to be your public servant. It is an honor and a privilege to represent you.
God Bless America!
Donald J. Allport
Vice Chairman
Legislator At-Large (Central)
Chairman Public Safety Committee
Vice-Chairman Health Committee
Legislative Committee
Orleans County Coroner
Scott Schmidt
My name is Scott Schmidt and I am running for another term as Coroner for Orleans County. I have had the distinct privilege to have served ALL the residents of Orleans County since 1990 when I was first elected into public office. My experience as a Funeral Director and as an Autopsy Assistant for Dr. Barrett in Albion and Dr. Okay in Medina, provided me with knowledge and experience in dealing with people suffering through the death of a loved one. Further, the autopsy suite, in conjunction with two highly skilled Forensic Pathologists, provided me a solid foundation and knowledge of forensic science, anatomy and physiology which you could never receive by reading a book.
I excelled in my position by gaining as much knowledge possible while attending educational conference twice yearly, put on by the NYS Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (NYSACCME). In 1996 I joined the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) which is a Federal Mortuary Team in the US Dept. of Health and Human Services and operates within the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). I soon after became a Federal Training Officer for NDMS and provided the requisite training for over 150 DMORT members of DMORT Region 2 and was on the National Training Summit Planning Committee as a Subject Matter Expert and the Lead for the Mass Fatality Training Track during the annual Training Summit for the entire National Disaster Medical System.
In February of 2007, the Orleans County Legislature conferred upon me the title of Chief Coroner. My duties included the oversight of the other Coroners, the ordering of needed supplies for each Coroner, the responsibility of making sure investigations were taking place properly and that reports were being filed. I also provided initial training for newly elected Coroners and have had opportunities to share my knowledge, experience and expertise to my fellow Coroners in Niagara and Genesee Counties. I obtained the title of Diplomate from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (D-ABMDI) after a rigorous and lengthy training program followed by an exam administered by the American Board testing knowledge of several areas of advanced death scene investigations and forensic science.
I have served as President of NYSACCME since 2008 and was the author of the minimum training requirement Law for newly elected/appointed Coroners (Coroner 101) which was passed in 2017. I have also authored a Bill currently in committee, that will require continuing education for Coroners after they complete the Coroner 101 class. Under my leadership and encouragement, NYSACCME along with NYSAC created the “See the Signs-Save a Life” campaign. This commercial and marketing program was produced and distributed State-wide by Trellis Marketing out of Buffalo and was designed to provide education about opioid usage, abuse and overdose awareness.
In addition to serving the residents of Orleans County as an elected public official as an active Coroner, I am also a NY State Licensed Funeral Director working in the County since 1982 and currently working with Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals, Inc. I’ve helped thousands of people through the most difficult and painful times in their lives and hold the designation of a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) which I was granted by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. My involvement in many local civic organizations, clubs, groups and Association is numerous. And having served as organist at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kendall from 1988-2000, I have continued my ministry as an Ordained Music Minister currently servicing at Barre Center Presbyterian Church. I also have played additional services at Lyndonville Presbyterian, Albion Presbyterian, Holy Family Parish, Albion Baptist, Pullman Memorial Unitarian Universalist, Medina Presbyterian, and Holy Trinity Lutheran in Buffalo.
My training and experience is second to none and my reputation as a Medicolegal Death Investigator is stellar. I have served ALL the residents of Orleans County with great care, dignity, compassion and professionalism for the past 34 years and I would be honored and grateful to receive your vote on November 5th for another 4-year term as Orleans County Coroner.
Sincerely,
Scott M. Schmidt, CFSP, D-ABMDI
Orleans County Coroner
Julie Woodworth
I have worked as a Registered Professional License for over 34 years with intricate knowledge of the human body and medical diagnoses. My strong science background is essential in the role as a Coroner. My experience traverses working in surgery, emergency room, intensive care units, home care settings, as well as other areas. I am a Professor at SUNY Niagara teaching nursing to inspiring nurses. My educational portfolio includes a PhD in nursing education, Masters in Nursing, Bachelors of Science and Nursing, and Associates Degree of Science and Nursing. I have lived and worked in Orleans County for the last 24 years serving the community with Medina Hospital.I am committed to investigating causes and manner of death with integrity, accuracy and respect for the deceased and their families.