To the Editor:

It’s a tough time for St. Lawrence County government. Almost every week we hear more about the County’s fiscal troubles. Residents worry about losing services, and maybe paying more taxes.

It takes courage and conviction to seek a seat on the County Legislature at a time like this.

Steve Putman is a man of courage and conviction.

Having known Steve for about 18 years, we believe he will be a highly effective representative, not just for residents of the ninth district, but for every citizen in the county.

Steve and his wife Marcia currently live in the village of Canton, but Steve grew up at and then operated a prize-winning Holstein dairy farm in Heuvelton. He attended college in Potsdam, taught math in Ogdensburg and Gouverneur, was high school principal in Heuvelton, and now serves as Superintendent at St. Lawrence Central School in Brasher.

Steve is conscious of his responsibility to manage public money wisely. In the 8 years Steve has served on the Canton Village Board, his math and budgeting skills have been helpful in negotiations and budget-building. His sound fiscal management is a major reason why the school budget has passed every year since he became superintendent at Brasher-and student achievement has improved during the same time.

We are impressed by Steve’s approach to problem solving. He reaches decisions after careful research and many conversations with folks who will be affected by the outcome. He reads widely and adopts good ideas from many sources. He excels in the clear thinking needed to identify priorities in complex situations. He knows the challenges faced by families with limited incomes, and by small villages with limited tax bases.

Steve expects a lot of himself, and of those he supervises. He has a huge capacity for sustained hard work, and will focus on a job until it is done. Steve still keeps farmer’s hours, rising before dawn and working late. His motivation in running for the Legislature is to help our County government at a time when it faces large and complicated problems.

Steve genuinely likes people. He is a respectful listener and maintains a sense of humor. In a time when many governments are paralyzed by partisan politics, our County Legislature needs members who respect others, and are willing to work across party lines. Steve will think first of his constituents, not necessarily of the policies of any party.

Two fine men are running to represent the ninth district in the St. Lawrence County Legislature. One has extensive experience with representing citizens and creating and managing budgets. We will vote for Steve Putman.

Kathy and Leo Curro

Potsdam