To the Editor:

I am writing to introduce myself to the voting public, specifically the voters St. Lawrence County Legislature District 1 in the City of Ogdensburg. My name is Donald “Don” Hooper and I have lived in the City of Ogdensburg and the immediate area since 1980. I grew up in the Village of Massena and graduated from Massena Central High School. I am running for a seat on the County Legislature because I think I can make a difference. The most recent State Comptroller’s audit report identified St. Lawrence County as one of the most fiscally stressed in the State. We are in need of legislators who understand that we cannot spend money we don’t have. This has been happening consistently since 2007. Balancing budgets by spending our savings is a self defeating proposition.

I believe I can help because I am a financial professional. I have been a New York State licensed Certified Public Accountant for the past 32 years. I have directed and participated in independent audits of many of our County municipalities and school districts for more than 25 years. I understand the workings of local government entities and the financial challenges they face every day. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from the University at Buffalo (SUNY) and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology. I have prepared my whole professional life to take on a challenge like this.

My experience as a volunteer has further deepened my knowledge of the workings of governmental entities. I have served for 15 years on the St. Lawrence County Workforce Investment Board, chairing that body for 4 terms for a total of 8 years. I have also served for the past 9 years on the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, 5 of those years as the Board Treasurer.

People who know me tell me I am a natural fit for the Board of Legislators. I have the background to provide the County with some realistic views on financial matters and I am interested in working towards restoring our County to financial health. It will be hard work, but I am ready to dig in and get it done. I would appreciate your vote on November 4, 2014. Thank you.

Donald J. Hooper

Ogdensburg