To the Editor:

Once again I have read the letters sent out by the Republican candidates for the St. Lawrence County Legislature. I must say, they are well coached on their talking points.

Granted they are twisted and distorted points, but they do cling to them as if they were sacred.

Take a look at the budget which has been presented for 2015. Just as promised, under the tax cap and within our 5-year spending plan as promised. I hear of no such plan from any Republican, just a bunch of chatter about “rolling up their sleeves” and diving into the budget. One of the Republicans appears to want us to overtax the public so we can grow fund balance. Over taxation cannot happen, it happened before under the Republican watch but it will not happen again. The Fund balance will get to a comfortable level through smart financial decisions; not over taxation.

This Democratically led legislature has worked its’ way through one of the toughest economic times in recent history. It was led by men like Sam Burns who is one of the most knowledgeable Legislators when it comes to budgeting. Anyone can read a bottom line, but it takes a man who is committed to his community to make tough decisions when they count.

The solution of the Republicans time and again is to “privatize”. That is what New York State wanted to do with the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center last year. However, through the efforts of men like Sam Burns, the Psychiatric Center is here to stay.

Take the J&L site which had sat dormant in southern St. Lawrence County for decades. Now, thanks to the efforts of Fred Morrill and many others, instead of having to pay for the cleanup and redevelopment, local officials can get agencies like the DEC and the EPA to foot most of the bill. That is leadership working together to solve a problem that has been there since the 1970s.

The Democratic leadership has steered us through some tough budget years and stressful times.

Now with the 5 year plan in place and working, we will continue our push for the people of St. Lawrence County. Please cast your vote for the Democratic candidates for County Legislature on November 4.

Gregory Paquin

County Legislator District 14