Who designed this county seal, Hugh Hefner?
The official government symbol of upstate Cattaraugus County is prompting local lawmakers to call for a coverup — as they say its depiction of two bare-breasted women is too racy for local sensibilities.
“There’s two women portraying themselves up on the seal of the county building with both breasts fully showing,” said Democratic county lawmaker Vergilio Giardini. “And [residents are] very upset about that because they say when their kids come in, their kids are disgusted.”
The county seal, which has been used since the 1800s, features two women depicted in Greco-Roman style with their breasts exposed.
Some versions of the seal show them tastefully covered up, while others — including one inside the county courthouse — show all.
Giardini complained he was getting flak from locals about the risqué symbol while going door to door campaigning for re-election last week, according to the Olean Times Herald.
“I never really noticed it that much until it was brought to my attention,” Giardini told The Post. “Now that I noticed it, I think there is a little bit more detail than should be there, and I think I’ll push to have it to be changed a little bit.”
The pols in the Buffalo-area county face the ballot box Nov. 5 and are poised to decide whether the seal should be changed.
Upstaters weighed in on the Times Herald Facebook page, with some unbothered by the exposure.
“It should be the Boobs in office that upset people the most, not the ones on the seal. Voting assures term limits,” commented Al Smith.
“I think they’re implants…,” speculated Tom Hull.
“I bet the same ones screaming about this are the same ones demanding mothers be allowed to breastfeed their children in public uncovered,” charged Kelly Hettrick.
Beth Wiltse commented that she met Giardini when he knocked on her door, adding she has other issues on her mind.
“I met Dick Giardini recently when he was canvassing Allegany and we spoke for at least 15 mins. I raised the top concerns that I have as a resident….The one topic that didn’t come up? The fact that women’s breasts are showing on the seal! We need investment in roads, electric and technology infrastructure. We have no internet access at our home. Our roads are literally crumbling.”