A successful businessman told me three years ago that one of the biggest challenges we face in Chautauqua County is that "we do not dream big enough". I do not have that problem after serving as your County Executive for the past 4 years. I have seen our people and businesses tackle seemingly insurmountable problems and successfully deal with the day to day challenges of work and family. My vision for the future of our County is that we will use the talented pool of workers and our natural resources like water, land, wind, (and snow too) to transform our cities into thriving urban centers, while preserving our rural green spaces for agri-business and recreation. We can do this with a continued focus on reducing property taxes and supporting the continued growth of our existing businesses, as well as attract new investors into our area. This effort will provide us with an improved standard of living and an even better future for our children.

 
Friends of Greg Edwards
P.O. Box 41
Mayville, NY 14757

Greg was born and raised in Chautauqua County. He graduated from Panama High School in 1978 and Allegheny College in Meadville PA with a major in Political Science in 1982. After working near Pittsburgh in a steel mill Greg returned to Chautauqua County, became a licensed Insurance Broker, worked his family's Dairy farm and then enrolled in Law School at the University of Toledo School of Law. Greg graduated from law school with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1987. Greg had an active private law practice based in Chautauqua County for over 18 years. During his career as a trial attorney, Greg represented individuals, families, and businesses in courts throughout Chautauqua County as well as Cattaraugus, and Erie.

Before becoming County Executive, Greg was a founding member of the Jamestown AM Rotary Club, board member and only male Chairman in the history of WCA Hospital, member of the Hamot Medical Center Board of Directors in Erie, PA., board member and Capital Campaign Chairman of the Children's Safety Educational Village, board member of the Phi Delta Theta Educational Foundation, and volunteered in a host of of other civic organizations.

In just a little over 3 years since becoming County Executive Greg has dramatically cut property and sales taxes despite sales tax reductions, increased services provided to veterans and seniors, paid down the county's past due liabilities, and established a significant positive balance in county finances. Greg accomplished this in a very challenging fiscal environment by focusing on the return on investment for county finances, requiring fellow employees to stream line operations and reduce the number of departments in county government. At the same time Greg and development officials partnered with local businesses to foster economic growth, resulting in the largest amount of private investment by businesses in the county's history which was followed by an increase in job growth.

Greg is married to his wife of 19 years Carrie and they have three children. The Edwards family make their home in the Town of Busti and attend the Panama United Methodist Church where Greg is a past Lay Leader and Certified Lay Speaker providing pulpit support for Churches around the County. Greg is an avid outdoorsman, a life long hunter and fisherman, with a passion for the green spaces that make Chautauqua County one of the nations most beautiful places to live.