Cattaraugus County Democrat Announces Candidacy for 57th State Senate Seat

Lee Hyson

SOUTH VALLEY, NY -A resident of Cattaraugus County has announced his intention to run for State Senate.

33 year-old Lee Hyson will be a candidate for the Democratic Party in the race for the 57th New York State Senate District that encompasses Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany and the lower portion of Livingston County.

Hyson grew up and attended school in Salamanca. In 2005, he earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.  In a media release sent out by the Hyson campaign Friday morning, Hyson is described as an expert in geotechnical operations, with a broad background in business and the private sector.

“I fully appreciate the opportunity to represent this important district and will work hard to promote its interests,” Hyson said.  “I stand with the people of the Southern Tier in the 57^th district, who deserve someone who is hard-working, intelligent, loyal, and knows and cares about the people.”

When not working as an engineer, Hyson considers himself an avid outdoorsman and proponent of strengthening this region’s tourist economy.

“I will bring a fresh perspective to state politics,” He  said. “All sides need to collaborate to solve problems in ways that are affordable but do not sacrifice the quality of services government delivers to create strong communities. Our people – especially the younger generations – need to be empowered, and made to feel that they have a voice in what happens in this area. I will work enthusiastically with all our communities to ensure the voice of the Southern Tier is heard in Albany.  I will focus on our local issues, including finding ways to undertake the heroin epidemic ravaging our communities. I will focus on these issues until they are resolved.”

The 57th senate seat is currently held by incumbent Cathy Young (R – Olean), who’s served in the senate since 2005, when she filled the seat that was left open upon the death of former state senator Patricia McGee. Prior to that she had served in the state assembly. Senator Young, currently the Senate Finance Committee chair and a ranking member in majority leadership, ran unopposed in both the 2012 and 2014 election.