CUBA — “All politics is local” goes a popular phrase in the American political landscape.
Saturday night, the Allegany County Republican Committee gathered at Moonwinks in Cuba to honor four party stalwarts who have been making things happen in the county for decades.
Receiving Reagan Awards were Curt and Cathy Crandall, Rick Whitney, Robert Jones and Karl Graves. The local leaders received their awards between remarks from a host of state and federal politicians, among them Rep. Tom Reed, state Senator Cathy Young, Assemblyman Joe Giglio and special speaker John Pence, Senior Adviser to the Donald Trump for President campaign and nephew of Vice President Mike Pence.
Jones is an Angelica native who taught in the Belmont school district 33 years. He has served on the Republican Committee for many years and spent time in local government, serving eight years as town councilman and 14 years as town supervisor. Jones is also an active member of the NRA, recruiting and founding a local fundraising committee for the organization.
“He is a strong defender of the Second Amendment,” noted Dwight “Mike” Healy, county legislator and Chairman of the Allegany County Republican Committee.
Jones is a life member the Angelica Conservation Club, acting as secretary and treasurer. He also plays a role in the county’s Federation of Sportsman Clubs.
“I appreciate this award. My wife of 50 years is very understanding of getting involved in local politics, but I’ve always believed local politics is closest to the people, it’s the most functional government there is,” Jones said. “I’ve enjoyed myself. I am sure there are people in this room that are much more deserving of this than myself. Thank you.”
Whitney is also an Angelica native who has spent 43 years in county law enforcement. He got his start as
