Leading statewide business groups publicly endorsed Republican John Byrne in the 116th District Assembly race Wednesday, as incumbent Democrat Addie Russell blasted him for a “repeated history of false statements” about his own businesses.

The Assembly district includes all communities along the St. Lawrence Seaway in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties, as well as Potsdam and Canton.

Representatives from the political arm of The Manufacturers Association of Central New York & the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State, and The Business Council of New York State PAC held a joint press conference to endorse and buttress Byrne.

His “manufacturing and business owner experience represents a refreshing change for representation in Albany,” a joint press release from the two political organizations said.

But Russell said the claim of Byrnes’ longstanding business success is belied by the apparent idleness of his plastics factory in Otsego County.

A report on North Country Public Radio this week took pains to find evidence of activity at the business but could find none. Russell says the business officially dissolved years ago, and Byrne has admitted that the business is dormant.

“My opponent has pointed to his small-business success to show he has what it takes to strengthen the North Country economy, but news reports tell a very different story,” Russell said. “And John Byrne is being less than truthful about it all.”

Byrne has said that his plastics manufacturing factory, JLB Plastics, is still in business, and he has been running on his record as a successful entrepreneur.

Records show, however, that Byrne dissolved the company six years ago, according to the NCPR report. And Otsego County property records indicate that JLB Plastics isn’t a business that’s struggling – it’s classified as vacant land.

Meanwhile, at the offices of MACNY member Barton & Loguidice in Watertown, Byrne’s career in manufacturing and business was descdribed as “exactly the type of representation needed to bring business issues to the forefront of policy discussions in Albany,” a press release said. “For nearly two decades, John has run JLB Plastics, a plastics manufacturing company.”

“John has immense experience in the manufacturing and business sector, running his own company for nearly 20 years,” said MACNY President and CEO Randy Wolken. “He has seen the challenges, the struggles, and knows what is needed to help business grow, and what causes it to suffer. John exemplifies our ideal candidate: a pro-jobs and pro-business representative who has made a career in manufacturing.”

Russell viewed his experience differently.

“We’ve seen time and again how my opponent has been less than honest about his businesses,” said Russell. “Whether he’s selling customers cheap well liquor and passing it off as top shelf or touting himself as a successful entrepreneur, it’s all a sham,” she said.

“If you were hired for a job and your boss found out you lied on your resume, you’d get fired,” Russell added. “The same goes for an endorsement made based on half-truths. The North Country deserves a representative who’s right for the job and has a record of getting real results, not someone who’s been talking out of both sides of his mouth for as long as he’s been in the race.”

Said Ken Pokalsky, vice president of The Business Council of New York State, Inc., “John Byrne is the type of pro-growth, pro-jobs candidate we need more of in Albany.”

He continued, “It’s no surprise that his insurgent candidacy, focused on economic growth and based on sound fiscal policy, is resonating with the people of the 116th Assembly District and the editorial board of the Watertown Daily Times. I am proud to stand here today and announce that The Business Council PAC enthusiastically endorses John Byrne for state Assembly.”

“In my role as State Senator, I’ve been proud in recent years to focus on efforts that have helped to cut red tape and bolster our region’s economy,” said Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton. “I know there is more work to be done—and that the North Country has so much more potential to help existing businesses expand and attract new opportunities to our region. To accomplish those goals, I need a partner like John who knows what it takes to help businesses grow and create much-needed jobs.”

"The North Country needs someone like John Byrne who knows what it takes to strengthen our economy and create jobs," said Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, R-Black River. "With John as our representative, we will have someone who is pro-business and will make it his first priority to grow our region's economy."

Ritchie and Blankenbush represent parts of St. Lawrence County in the state Legislature.

“I know firsthand the struggles that business owners in New York State face—and know there are steps we can take to cut red tape, reduce taxes and create the best possible environment for economic growth in the North Country,” said Byrne. “I am grateful to be endorsed by MIPAC, and am looking forward to hitting the ground running once elected to help revitalize our region’s economy and create jobs.”

MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, represents over 300 companies in a 19 county region in upstate New York. The 103-year-old organization provides human resource services, training, purchasing solutions, networking opportunities and advocacy support for its members.

The Business Council of New York State, Inc., says it is the leading business organization in New York State, representing the interests of large and small firms throughout the state. Its membership is made up of 2,400 businesses, as well as local chambers of commerce and professional and trade associations.