Legislator Ahlstrom was first elected Chairman of the Legislature in 2002 and has been re-elected chair each year since that time. Prior to his election as chairman, Legislator Ahlstrom served as Majority Leader in 2000 & 2001 and on the Financial Management, Administrative Services and Public Safety Committees.

Legislator Ahlstrom represents District One on the Chautauqua County Legislature, which includes District 2 in the Town of Dunkirk and Ward 1, District 1 and all of Ward 2 in the City of Dunkirk. He was first elected to the Legislature in 1997 and is currently serving his seventh term.

Ahlstrom is employed as the Fire Chief in the City of Dunkirk. He has been a baseball umpire in the City of Dunkirk and throughout Chautauqua County for more than 20 years. Prior to his election to the Chautauqua County Legislature, Ahlstrom served on the City of Dunkirk School Board from 1993 to 1998.

Chairman Ahlstrom is a life-long resident of Dunkirk and resides on Cedar Street with his wife, Cynthia.