To the Editor

In another week, it will all be over. My campaign for County Clerk began with a St. Patrick’s Parade in Brasher, and, fittingly, there will be one last “meet and greet” at Erin’s Isle on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., Nov. 2nd.

In between have been a whirlwind of breakfasts and luncheons; “opportunities to speak’” to groups of Sr. citizens, to Kiwanis, Rotary etc.; a dozen more parades; fund-raisers; putting up of signs; mailing letters to absentee voters; and knocking on hundreds of doors all across this huge county. What has made it even more of a blur for me is that all of this has been done before work, or during lunch, or after the full work day—always using my Dodge Durango, never a county vehicle. The positive reception I have received, and the opportunity to meet so many great people, has been a wonderful experience.

So many people have been with me all the way. Before the election, I want to thank the hundreds of people who have supported my campaign. I am so grateful to every single Union that granted me an interview and chose to endorse me, rather than Mrs. Rupp. I truly value the support of the CSEA, The Central Trades Council, The Steel Workers, The United Auto Workers, IBEW Local 2032, and the Laborers Union. The Democratic Party and the Working Families Party. I would also like to thank Govenor Andrew Cuomo, Representative Bill Owens and Assembleywoman Addie Russell for their confidence in me and their endorsements too.

To over 2000 Democrats who signed my petitions, I say thanks! Those petitions were carried by dozens of Democrats, and most outstandingly by my parents, by Keitha Arquiett, Josie Catanzarite, Loretta Opalka, Jo-Anne Trippany, Rene Hart, Courtney Deshaise, Mike Zagrobelny, Pat Regan, Rollin Beattie, Shellie Levison, Brad & Marilyn Mintener, Sam Burns, Larry LeGault, Dan MacNamara, Bob Best, Margaret Kilroy, and Roger Sharlow, Joan Narrow, and Sue Allen. I would also like to say a big Thank You to Cathy Streeter and Jim Race for their help and friendship.

To all who marched with me in hot parades, and to my Uncle Ralph Thibault for the use of his truck, to the hundreds of people who let me put up signs on their property, to the dozens of you who took the time to write letters of support how can I thank you?!

For the financial backing , not jus t from Unions and Democratic Party, but from over 130 separate donors who gave me some of their hard-earned money, all I can say is “I hope to pass it on .“

Joan Narrow has been a wonderful Campaign Treasurer. Jodi and Shawn Burke have been unbelievably generous in sponsoring a wonderful fund-raiser, so have my parents. I will be forever in their debt.

Throughout all of these 8 months, the County Administrator; all of the Legislators, particularly Sally Brothers, Sam Burns, Tony Arquiett, and Fred Morrill have been extremely helpful. Mark Bellardinni, St. Lawrence County Democratic Chair and June O’Neill’s advice and support has been invaluable. Jennie Bacon and Jeff Farrell and others in the Board of Elections have been wonderful to work with. I sincerely hope I have not left anyone out! If I have I apologize.

I’ve tried my very best to make sure we ran a positive campaign all the while making a good office even better; with the help of Deputy Clerk Cathy Streeter and a wonderfully co-operative staff, I know I have succeeded. Now, it’s time for the voters to decide.

I ask for your support.

Gavin Regan, Potsdam