To the Editor:

Today I am announcing my candidacy for St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators – District 14.

I believe the people of St. Lawrence County are hardworking and dedicated citizens; ready to further their dreams in the years to come. Our region also possesses wonderful natural resources, which not only establish our area as a beautiful place to live and raise a family, but also opportunities for growth.

The current Board of Legislators has done well in reversing many negative trends, which they faced four years ago (e.g., reducing our need to borrow money each year to meet necessary expenditures, and working with other governmental officials to stop unfunded state mandates).

But the challenges continue as we move forward. We need to ensure policies are in place and actively recruit a wide variety of businesses to create a flexible economy to meet demands of the 21st century. We need to ensure law enforcement is fully equipped to take on the opioid challenge coming into the county from other parts of the state.

Finally, we must work together to ensure that our county government is the right size to meet the needs of its citizens – too large and it loses perspective; too small and it fails to offer services effectively.

I look forward to meeting the people of District 14 and the surrounding area and discussing ways we can work together to build on the solid foundation of our past to provide a dynamic and vibrant future for St. Lawrence County and the North Country overall.

Joel Grigg

Massena