To the Editor:

John Byrne is the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reformed Party candidate for the 116th Assembly District, also known as the River District.

John is running to help businesses stay and grow in the North Country. Having traveled throughout the district extensively over the few years, he has become familiar with the challenges facing our towns and communities and the businesses in those communities. He secured the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), New York’s leading pro-small business advocacy group.

I believe John will vote for regulatory reform and ethics reform. He will fight to be sure that corrupt Albany politicians are stripped of their pensions. John will vote in interests of our district and work effectively with the representatives from neighboring districts.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has worked tirelessly in her first two years in office and has been a strong supporter of Fort Drum and our military and worked diligently to support small business and as well the veterans in our region. She has traveled the district extensively, worked to be transparent in her activities and has communicated her activities well to her constituents.

It is important to have and maintain the Supreme Court presence in the North Country and Tim Lawliss, from Plattsburgh will best serve the interests on the citizens of the northeastern part of New York State in the 4 Judicial District. The district will not be well served by electing another judge to the southern part of the 4th Judicial District in the Schenectady area where there are already 5 judges for the District. Tim has an excellent history from his time in the NYS and County court systems.

I believe that these candidates have the knowledge and skills to serve the interests of our St Lawrence County and districts in which they are running. I hope you can join me in voting for these candidates on Election Day, November 8.

Donald Gruneisen

Potsdam