Leadership Tioga focuses on County Government and Public Safety

Leadership Tioga met for their August class at the Public Safety Building in Owego, which perhaps is better known as the Sheriff’s Office or the jail. Over coffee and donuts, Martha Sauerbrey, chair of the TIoga County Legislature, broke down the county’s government into easy to understand bites. 

Sauerbrey, who was elected to her position, explained that there are nine legislators for TIoga County. Each hold a part time position, is chair of a particular committee, and they represent approximately 9,000 people. 

Tioga County is made up of nine towns and six villages that are run by mayors. The legislature’s job is to oversee government, set policies and create laws and resolutions. 

Sauerbrey said that in her time as chair the greatest challenges to the county have been the 2011 flood and the opioid and heroin epidemic. However, she feels the future is financially bright with the Tioga Downs expansion and perhaps some conservative spending.

Sheriff Gary Howard was next up to discuss the workings of his office. Howard said that the Sheriff’s position is an elected one. Howard, who is in his fourth term, explained that anyone can run for the position, must be 18 years of age and a resident of the county.  

Howard broke down how each division operates within his office, the number of employees they have, and what criteria has to be met to become a deputy. Howard then went through some history of the department, noting that James McMaster was the county’s first sheriff elected in 1791.

Finally the class was given a tour of the building, which included administrative offices, a shooting range, 911 center, interrogation rooms, the kitchen and the jail. 

If you are interested in participating in Leadership TIoga, contact the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce at (607) 687-2020 or Lisa Grant, Leadership Tioga’s facilitator, by email to lmgrant2368@gmail.com. 

Registration for next year’s class will begin soon.