Assemblywoman Addie Russell says that no signing of high-profile political pledges by her opponent will change her will to fight for reform of state government.

The 118th District Democratic assemblywoman, facing a challenge from Republican David Forsythe of Lisbon, said that there is no need to make pledges to special interest groups formed by New York City’s liberal political elite, especially since she supported tough reform measures before such groups were even formed.

Russell says that during the short period of time in which she has represented the North Country, she voted for the sweeping public authorities reform law that makes such authorities more transparent and accountable to the public, and for a government consolidation law and made sure that the changes were fair for small communities.

“These folks from New York Uprising are not from our area and are not taking into account the best interests of the North Country,” said Russell. “Their nonpartisan redistricting plan does not provide for representation from the North Country. In fact, their idea of nonpartisan redistricting could be even worse than what exists right now. I have a role in the current redistricting process. I am eager to make reforms to the way our districts our drawn, but I refuse to sacrifice the North Country’s voice in this important process.

“Reforming New York State’s broken government is why I ran for office in the first place. It is part of every legislator’s obligation. It is part of the job. I reserve calling anyone a ‘hero’ for more than signing a piece of paper with broad goals. Heroes are the men and women who put their lives in harm’s way to protect our health, safety and freedoms. My pledge is to represent the North Country and work hard on the challenges we are facing - to make sure that our real heroes have a place to call home, where they can live comfortably and where there is opportunity for their children so that they can raise their families here, too.”