Area Woman Announces She’ll Seek State Assembly Seat In Upcoming Election

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY –  Area woman Judith Einach announced Sunday that she is running for the NY 150th Assembly District seat, which is currently being held by four-term incumbent Andy Goodell (R).

The 150th Assembly District includes all of Chautauqua County. She will be on the ballot in November. 

“Chautauqua County needs dynamic new leadership. My background in both rural and urban economic development and my lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life for women, workers, people young and old from all walks of life is what will enable me to be a true public servant as a member of the Assembly. I will apply myself full time on behalf of everyone in Chautauqua County,” Einach said. 

Einach holds a Masters from the Harvard Graduate School of Education where she focused her studies on community problem solving and decision making especially around youth issues. In 2002, she directed a successful micro enterprise development project that created almost 100 new businesses, many of which continue to this day and have grown into business that create jobs. 

“Over the course of my career, I’ve spent most of my time working for non-profits. My last position was executive director of an agricultural support organization working to revitalize local food systems and other aspects of our agricultural economy. I truly care about the well-being of others. I’ve held leadership positions in the communities where I’ve lived. I believe my background is well matched with the needs of Chautauqua County,” Einach said.

Growing up, Einach spent summers in Bemus Point where she learned to swim and fish.  “My best game in the casino was bowling where you slide a hockey puck over triggers and the bowling balls fold upward,” she said.

Einach chose to move to Chautauqua County for what she mistakenly imagined would be her retirement years.

“I’ve lived many places and I can honestly say I have the best quality of life here in Chautauqua County. Yes, we need to pay a lot of attention to alleviating poverty and bolstering our economy, but thinking ahead, our county’s position on the Great Lakes and our beautiful scenery will make us one of the most desirable places to live in the not too distant future. People will come. But for the moment, we need to build the capacity of the people who are here now,” Einach said. 

Einach is the daughter of Victor Einach, a well known civil rights leader in WNY and in the State. Her mother, Irene, was 11 when women won the right to vote. She grew up learning from adults talking principles and politics. “I’m honored to have been asked to run for the Assembly. I’m ready for this. I’m ready to restore Chautauqua County’s good name in the NY Assembly,” she said.

Goodell has yet to officially announce whether he’ll attempt to retain his position, or not.