Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has been endorsed by the Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties Central Trades & Labor Council in her race for re-election to the New York State Assembly.

Assemblywoman Russell was one of two candidates for the 116th Assembly seat that attended the Central Trades Council meeting. The delegates chose to endorse Assemblywoman Russell over Bill Sheridan, who is one of three Republicans running in a September primary for the GOP line in the November race.

Russell represents the 116th Assembly District, which includes all the St. Lawrence County towns along the St. Lawrence River, plus Ogdensburg, Canton and Potsdam.

"I'm very proud to get their endorsement again. It's a validation of the work I do on the behalf of all working people in the North Country," Assemblywoman Russell said following the Central Trades Council meeting.

"I approach my work on behalf of North Country residents from the perspective of being the voice for the people who want to get up every day and be able to go to work and earn an honest wage. The support of the council shows my constituents see that, and I hope to continue my work in the assembly on their behalf," she added.

The Central Trades Council is the local part of the New York State AFL-CIO, a federation of 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector, and building trades unions throughout the state, representing 2.5 million members, retirees and their families.

Assemblywoman Russell, in her presentation to the members of organized labor, said she is a hands on representative who isn't afraid to tackle difficult and politically challenging issues.

She pointed out she has strongly supported a number of issues aimed at creating fairness in the workplace.

"I have fought for you. I have always fought for minimum wage increases so people who go to work every day and work hard still aren't living in poverty. I have worked very hard and helped to secure a revamping of the paid family leave program so the program provides benefits allowing employees to take time from work to be with their family members in times of need," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

She said she is not afraid to step up and fight for working men and working women, even in situations when it could be a political liability.

"I have walked, stood and fought side by side on local issues that matter to organized labor such as the proposed privatization of Massena Memorial Hospital, with Verizon workers when the Communication Workers of Americans when they were on strike and on the line with nurses fighting for safe staffing levels," Assemblywoman Russell said.

"I have fought for women's equality. I am a strong advocate and fighter for public education in the North Country and at the college level," she added.

Assemblywoman Russell said she has also worked hard to seek solutions to problems in the North Country.

"I helped alongside folks from St. Lawrence County, local officials, in ensuring we passed a law to provide indigent legal defense so that a person's defense can be rigorous," she said.

"For years the cost of the defense program has created a financial burden on our counties, and your ability to be defended should not be based on your county's wealth. Transferring those costs to the state will ensure equity in courtrooms from the North Country to the other end of the state and reduce the cost of mandates on our counties," Assemblywoman Russell noted.

She said she has been working with local agencies to address opioid abuse issues in the North Country, listening to local concerns and then working in Albany and in the district to address those concerns.

Assemblywoman Russell said she is also a strong supporter of local libraries and also works to secure funding that can benefit first responders, children and youth activities and food pantries.

"I make sure I support our food pantries at every opportunity I get because people are continuing to need access to food. The percentage they are serving continues to rise even though the recession is long over. It's a travesty," she noted.