Cape Vincent resident John L. Byrne has announced that he has filed election petitions to place his name on three ballot lines in the race for the state Assembly’s 116th “River District,” a seat now held by Democrat Addie Russell of Theresa.

In a press release, Byrne said he expects to appear on the Republican, Conservative and Independence Party lines, and filed petitions including 1,028 Republican, 138 Conservative and 274 Independence Party signatures, “far exceeding the Election Law requirements for each party’s designation.”

“Voters are eager for new leadership in the Assembly, and they were willing to put their names behind a candidate who will fight for lower taxes and more opportunity, who takes direction from the community, and doesn’t simply follow the lead of downstate politicians who don’t understand the North Country and our way of life.”

and who can work with others to deliver results.”

Byrne said his petitions filled 13 pages, and included signatures from every community in the district.

Byrne, a small business owner who is a member of the Cape Vincent Town Board, said he has visited all 23 towns and both cities in the district, which stretches across Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, from Cape Vincent to Massena; visited sportsmen clubs, attended church and community socials, parades and events; and has personally knocked on more than 700 doors to meet voters and listened to their concerns.

Russell has said she will be running again, to serve a fourth term in the Assembly.