To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you all to get out and vote Nov. 4 for our new District 7 County Legislator Rick Perkins.

I have known Rick and his family for the past 20 yrs. and am confident in not only his ability to serve this county well, but his willingness to stick with the job. I guarantee if Rick Perkins takes on the job, he will never be quoted in the paper saying he quit “because his heart just wasn’t in it anymore”.

Rick Perkins has served volunteering his time not only for his own kids but those in the community, coaching and participating as a father to many of our youth. Rick is a lifelong resident of St. Lawrence County, and his family has been firmly grounded in the Parishville area since marring his wife Tonilee of 26 yrs.

Rick Perkins ‘ vision for the future is one that takes him out of the “party line” spotlight and places him in a position to represent the North Country with everyone’s interest at heart. Rick’s belief in the I98 Rooftop Hwy. is clear representation of the ambition he will bring to the District 7 seat. Without a clear focus on economic growth, the North Country may never find itself on the map. For the independently wealthy this is probably ok, for the rest of us the growth and jobs a Highway of this caliber could generate are a promise of a better future for the County and our children.

Rick’s vision promises to allow our children a chance to stay in St. Lawrence County, living, working and raising their families here. His vision provides hope that our children could afford a good education without having to spend the rest of their working careers paying for it, raising their children as we have with the opportunity of providing a small school atmosphere with manageable classroom sizes, thus maximizing every child’s ability to thrive and learn.

Rick, as many of us are, is against the SAFE Act in its current form. His belief is in tougher penalties for those using weapons for criminal purposes, not taking them away from the honest hardworking citizens of this State. If you have the chance to speak with Rick you’ll hear him emphasize the need to expand tourism and recreation in St. Lawrence County. Rick understands and will invest in our County’s greatest asset at this time, economic development.

A firm belief in St. Lawrence County and his ability to do better for its residents through representation as the District 7 Legislator clearly makes Rick Perkins our best choice this election season. Please mark your calendars and get out and vote November 4th.

Rod Votra

Parishville