The Allegany County Board of Legislators has appointed Charles Bessette of Wirt to fill a vacancy in its Third Legislative District. On March 26, 2025, after passing Board Resolution No. 138-25, Bessette was sworn into office by the Honorable Thomas P. Brown.

Bessette is a 30-year resident of the Town of Wirt and served 35 years with the United States Postal Service, including 6 years as managing Postmaster for Allentown, Alma, Richburg, and Little Genesse. He also served as President of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Allegany Postmaster Association from 2011 to 2015 and as Adverse Action Representative for United Postmasters and Managers from 2012 to 2023.

A retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Master Sergeant, Bessette was Commander of the Bolivar American Legion from 2015-16. He continues his commitment to volunteerism though work as President of the Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES Board of Education, with the Bolivar-Richburg Educational Foundation, and as a recently appointed member of the ACCORD Corporation Board of Directors.

Following the legislative meeting, Bessette expressed appreciation and optimism for the appointment. “I would like to thank the District III Republican Committee and the Board of Legislators for entrusting me in this important position. It will be an honor representing the people in District III for the remainder of the year.”  Chairman Harris noted that in addition to filling the current vacancy in District III, Legislator Bessette is campaigning to serve District III in the subsequent term, which will commence on January 1, 2026.