The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has endorsed Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell, D-Theresa, in her bid for re-election to the New York State Assembly’s 116th Asembly District.

The “River District” includes all St. Lawrence County towns along the St. Lawrence River (Massena, Ogdensburg, Louisville, Waddington, Lisbon, Oswegatchie, Morristown, and Hammond) plus the towns of Canton, Potsdam, Rossie, Macomb, and DePeyster, and part of Jefferson County..

Brian McDonnell, political and legislative director for AFSCME New York, said the endorsement was based on Assemblywoman Russell's support of issues of importance to public and non-profit employees.

"These men and women serve our communities every day by providing the services that keep those communities running," Russell said.

"They often have thankless jobs providing assistance to people in crisis. They are charged with keeping our communities safe and healthy, keeping our streets and roads open and making sure our municipal water and wastewater systems are working effectively," she added.

AFSCME officials noted their union represents workers in every city, county, town and village in New York state.

"AFSCME also represents people who care for the sick and the elderly in public hospitals and nursing homes. Our members care for the mentally ill, the disabled and the infirmed," McDonnell said.

AFSCME is New York's largest public sector union with over 400,000 members from six affiliates including CSEA, AFSCME Council 82, District Council 37, District Council 1707, AFSCME Council 66 and AFSCME Council 35.

Assemblywoman Russell has received a number of endorsements from groups representing working men and women including the North Country Central Trades Council and its parent organization, the AFL-CIO.