To the Editor:

Sam, I was going to stay out of the mayoral race in Ogdensburg. That was until I saw your recent letter in North Country This Week on Oct. 3-9.

I see you like to blast Mr. Ashley for his four-year record as a city councilor, which apparently you do not believe is very good.

For the record, lets take a little look back at your and the Democratic majority’s record for the last 8 years at the county level. Back when we started with a 20 plus million dollar fund balance.

Please tell me you remember the good old days. Then yourself and Fred Morrill and the gang led the path to changes in St. Lawrence County.

I believe rough numbers the last two years of your term, 2013 unassigned fund balance was approximately negative $500,000. Yes, thats right, negative.

Then a week or so ago we got the 2014 audited financial, for the last year of your term. That was even more incredible with approximately negative $2.3 million balance.

Sam Burns and gang led the charge for the largest tax increase to hit St. Lawrence County when you passed the 8% sales tax.

By avoiding tough decisions and focusing on your own agendas, your group ran this county into the ground.

Now you feel you have the ability to lead the city of Ogdensburg in these tough times. I for one think not.

There is much more to talk about, but being a business owner, I have to tend to my business in these tough times.

I do encourage all voters to review each candidate’s record while in public office and make educated decisions based on those facts.

David Forsythe

St. Lawrence County Legislator