Buanno stepping down

By MICHAEL ANICH, The Leader-Herald

GLOVERSVILLE - Republican 4th Ward City Supervisor Anthony "Chart" Buanno - who has served on the Fulton County Board of Supervisors since 1962 - today said he's quitting politics.

Reached at a Fulmont Community Action Agency Board of Directors meeting in Fonda, the 86-year-old said instead of seeking a new two-year term, he will support his live-in companion, Republican Shirley Savage, who said she will run for the seat.

"I decided enough is enough," Buanno said. "I've been looking everything over."

Buanno, who suffered a heart attack in 2008, said today he feels good and his health is not a reason for not seeking re-election.

Republican Deputy Election Commissioner Linda Madison said today Buanno informed her of his intentions and how he is now supporting the 55-year-old Savage. Savage and Buanno live together at 6 N. Burton St. and have both been involved in Gloversville and county politics for many years.

Buanno served as a Gloversville councilman before he became a supervisor.

"I've got experience in government through the city of Gloversville," said Savage, explaining her run for Buanno's seat. She announced March 20 she was running for councilman-at-large, but said today her only candidacy now will be for Gloversville 4th Ward supervisor.

In a prepared statement, she wrote: "I feel that by being a supervisor, I can also look out for the interest of Gloversville and the other municipalities in the county. I believe that we should all work together for the benefit of all. Politics are not played on the county level, and that's the way it should be. But everyone has a right to their opinion and make decisions."

"I know most of the supervisors and I feel I can work with them and help promote worthwhile ventures throughout the county," Savage wrote.

Savage served as a Gloversville councilwoman from 2004-2007.

"All of a sudden he said he's retiring," Savage said. "I said I wonder if I should run for supervisor. He said that's not a bad idea."

Savage said she's already collected 60 signatures for her supervisor's election petition, which must be filed in mid-July.

County Administrative Officer Jon R. Stead said today he had no comment on Buanno's intentions, but said there may be an appropriate time later to praise Buanno's service.

Buanno, a two-time former Board of Supervisors chairman, was instrumental in the construction of Fulton-Montgomery Community College and the Fulton County Residential Health Care Facility, which were built in the 1960s. He also was the driving force behind establishment of the Fulton County Sanitary Landfill on Mud Road in 1989. In later years, he has been active in many groups such as Fulmont Community Action Agency and on issues involving the Great Sacandaga Lake.

"I've been on top of most of the things going on," Buanno said.

Democratic Gloversville 6th Ward Supervisor Richard Ottalagano said Buanno has always treated him with respect and appreciated his ideas even though he is from the opposite party. He said Buanno will be missed.

"He's like an icon," Ottalagano said. "Actually, he's been a friend. I've served with him eight years. There's a void. He will be missed."

Republican Johnstown 1st Ward Supervisor Richard Handy, who said he's been a friend and colleague of Buanno, said today it is a dark day in the county.

"I'm very sad he's not seeking re-election," Handy said. "He's sharp as a tack. He attends all the meetings. Nothing gets by him."

Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com