To the Editor:

Vernon (Sam) Burns truly wants to help the people of Ogdensburg. You are not going to find anyone more dedicated. He has spent most of his life standing up for our citizens and our beautiful city.

I am telling you right now that he will not take excuses for an answer when it comes to developing our city and doing something about the challenges we face. If there is no money, he will work with the council and citizens to find a grant; if we get a business in our downtown mall, he won’t stop until we have utilized all the areas downtown; if a business gives a reason why they can’t locate here, he will find another incentive or another business.

If our city has a drug problem, then he will work with families, counselors, treatment centers and the law to make sure we can battle this problem as a city together. He won’t back down until we as a city, once again, can call Ogdensburg our home and the next best place, this side of heaven. I know this as the utmost truth, because I have lived with him for 43 years and I know he will not back down. He does his research and he maintains his political and business contacts so that he is ready to go for a project or any venture that will help our city and keep our children and young people here.

For years Sam coached Kiwanis Soccer and has always held a place in his heart for all those children he helped. It really saddens him when he sees these children become adults and are forced to look elsewhere for a place to call home because we have nothing to offer our own. Sam will fight so that we are able to offer opportunity for all our families.

You may ask can one person do this alone? He never said that he planned to do this by himself. He wants to better the city by working with the city council and the people of the city of Ogdensburg. But he will not let things come to a stand still. He is a leader that will always look for what else can be done.

Please join me in voting for Vernon “Sam” Burns for Mayor of Ogdensburg. Let your voice be heard so that we can work together for the place we call home!

Celina Burns

Ogdensburg