To the Editor:

In response to “Economic Development Being Pursued in O’burg” which ran in the Sept. 19-25 issue of North Country This Week: I’m happy to see that my opponent for mayor of the City of Ogdensburg and his advisors are paying attention to issues that I have brought forward.

One of the most important issues is the growth of jobs in our community. In my opponent’s last reply, he mentions the former Diamond National property, where nothing is happening and he voted to spend more money to fund additional studies...this has been a problem with our city government that he has been a part of for the last 4 years…let’s spend more time doing nothing.

He mentions the former Harbor Master property, again, nothing happening. He mentions the property on the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center, at a recent City Council meeting it was announced that negotiations with the State of New York is pretty much dead. He calls those examples progress?

Something he does not want to talk about is the closing of so many businesses in the Ogdensburg area and the lack of any attempt on his part to change the situation. When the Walgreen’s in central New York declared their intentions to close, the local politicians went to the company and offered assistance, they are still there. Did anyone in City government approach Walgreen’s and offer to work with them to show that we are a business friendly city?

If elected mayor, every business in our city and surrounding towns will know that we are there to work with them and our door will always be open. My opponent can sit back and hope that the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority continues to carry the load of attracting business to our community. If elected mayor, the Board of Directors and the staff of the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority will know they have a partner in the economic development business in City Hall.

That’s the fundamental difference between my opponent and myself – he believes in sitting back and hoping others do the job while I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and promote our city and it’s many positive resources. His stand is the status quo; mine is aggressively going after jobs and to never be satisfied with the status quo.

I would appreciate your support and vote on Nov. 3 for mayor of the City of Ogdensburg and let’s show our business partners that this is a new Ogdensburg city government!

It is obvious that my opponent and I are far apart on this issue and many others. Therefore, in the best interest of the residents of the City of Ogdensburg, let’s schedule a few public debates so the voters will know clearly where we stand.

Vernon “Sam” Burns

Candidate for Mayor- City of Ogdensburg