To the Editor:

I am writing to express my support for Derek Van House for St. Lawrence County treasurer.

Derek is a New York State licensed certified public accountant with many years experience. He has audited many St. Lawrence County towns, villages and school districts and the City of Ogdensburg. He has seen accounting deficiencies in many of these and has worked tirelessly to help so many to right their ships.

St. Lawrence County has never had a CPA as treasurer and we are so fortunate to have this man step up and want to do the job.

I have personally worked with Derek for 17+ years and I can tell you he is a solid performer. He has never been dismissed or demoted from any employment and I have personally watched his performance on behalf of so many clients and I can tell you that he always strives to do the job right, save his clients money and find a more efficient way to get the job done.

I urge all voters to do their homework, check out the qualifications of all who are in the race for Treasurer. The choice is clear. In these times where our unassigned fund balance in St. Lawrence County stands at minus $3,000,000, we need Derek Van House as part of the solution. The problem cannot be allowed to get any worse! As legislators, we have taken the bull by the horns and are examining the situation daily.

To do this properly, we must have timely monthly financial statements and budget to actual comparisons. This is not happening, but it will if we elect Derek Van House! He is the man and he has the talent.

I urge all voters to get behind Derek and give us another member of a team that can work towards getting St, Lawrence County back on its financial feet.

Derek is involved in a primary on September 13. It is imperative that we get out the vote for Derek in that primary.

We go forward from there. So please, get out to vote in the primary on September 13. Derek Van House is the right man for the job at this crucial time.

Donald J. (Don) Hooper

St. Lawrence County Legislator, District 1