Lattimer announces her bid for county Legislature

Lattimer

BATH - Robin Lattimer, a seven-year veteran of the Bath town board, last week announced she is running for a seat on the Steuben County Legislaure.

Lattimer, a Republican, is a a candidate for the seat currently held by Ron Nielsen, RBath, who cannot run for reelection due to term limits approved by the Legislature.

"This is an opportunity to continue serving the people of Bath, but at another level," Lattimer said in a prepared announcement. "I believe my experience in local government gives me a solid background to be a county legislator. I'm familiar with the issues and I'm eager to learn more."

Lattimer, who serves as Bath town deputy supervisor, was first elected to the Bath town board in 2001to fill a one-year vacancy. She was reelected to two four-year terms in 2002 and 2006.

Lattimer also has worked since 1987 as the district office manager for former Assemblyman Don Davidsen and current Assemblyman Jim Bacalles, R-Corning.

Lattimer also is a former newspaper reporter, serving during the 1980s as a reporter and editor of The Steuben Courier-Advocate. She later worked for The Evening Tribune in Hornell, covering the Steuben County Legislature.

"I actually had a front row seat to the dramatic transition our county government made from a 34-person Board of Supervisors to today's legislature consisting of 17 members led by a county administrator," Lattimer said.

She added the years she spent observing the county legislature as a reporter provided her with insights not only into how local government operates, but also the role of a legislator.

"Government is big business and the challenges facing all levels of government can be daunting," she said. "Taxpayers want services they need provided to them while at the same time holding down property taxes. I know I can make hard decisions because I've been asked to do it before. I think I've proven I can be fair and though."

To date, Lattimer is the only individual who has announced plans to run for Nielson's seat.