By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – Voters will soon choose a new mayor in Ogdensburg and both candidates say economic development, public safety and a love for the city are driving factors for their campaigns.

Vernon “Sam” Burns is running on the Democrat and Working Party lines in the Nov. 3 elections. He has served as Ogdensburg’s representative to the St Lawrence County legislature and also worked for 10 years at the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority where he says he helped establish city’s port as a Foreign Trade Zone.

City Councilman Wayne Ashley is running on the Conservative, Republican and Independent party lines. A retired police officer, who says he has the time, dedication and integrity needed, move the city forward.

Both candidates have political experience and both have deep roots in the city, but their visions and views of the city are not the same.

Economic Development

Both candidates have visions for the future that include more businesses, fewer vacant, properties and a developed waterfront, but disagree on the best way to make it happen.

Ashley, who is serving his fourth year on city council, credited city staff for a slew of accomplishments in the past few years, while Burns says the city needs to be more aggressive in attracting businesses.

Burns says Ogdensburg needs to work to show that it is a “business friendly city,” but Ashley says that’s already happening.

Ashley says that Ogdensburg has seen the opening of two new Verizon stores, Club 1812, Sandwich Warehouse, GNC, St. Lawrence Surgery, Really Old and Really New Consignment Boutique, Sherman Inn Bed and Breakfast and more. He also cited expansions at DeFelsco, Hoosier Magnetics, Acco, McDonalds, Pizza Hutt, the airport, Hosmer’s Marina,

Ashley pointed out that a North Country Clinic and Dunkin Donuts are moving into the area.

“In the last four years people have been saying negative things about Ogdensburg, but our city staff under the leadership of our current city manager have made tremendous headway,’ he said. “To act like we aren’t being proactive is an insult to our city staff.”

But Burns says anyone looking around can see that more needs to be done. He said that if elected mayor, he would like to see the city look at bringing in an economic developer. He said that while the city has limited funding to hire someone for that position, he envisions a joint position that could be shared between the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority and the city.

“Maybe it’s just my nature, but I would tend to be more aggressive to develop the waterfront, helping businesses and expanding our retail sector, we can’t just sit here and wait for businesses and developers to come to us,” he said.

Burns says he wants Ogdensburg to become a bigger player in St. Lawrence County. He said the city needs to secure voting representation on the North Country Regional Economic Development Council and take better advantage of its key asset, which he says is the port and the waterfront.

Safety and Privacy

Both candidates say vandalism at the city’s parks and boat docks has become a problem that needs to be addressed

Ashley says he doesn’t want to see camera’s in all of the city’s parks, but said he thinks it’s time to put them in the problem areas.

“I’d welcome security camera’s in Morissette Park near the boat area and Kid’s Kingdom. That’s where most of the damage occurs, but I also think people like their privacy and don’t want to be on cameras every time they go to the par,” he said.

As a veteran of more than 30 years on Ogdensburg’s police force, Ashley encourages people to call when they hear or see something suspicious.

“Don’t hesitate. Police would rather go to an unfounded call then be called after damage has been done,” he said. “Police patrol where they can but we need the public to help,” he said.

Burns says cameras should already be in the trouble areas.

“I whole-heartedly agree with cameras in the park. Cameras are all over everywhere now and there are drones in the countryside. People are on camera whether they like it or not,” he said. “I am disappointed that the vandalism and misbehavior of the few was allowed to continue this summer.”

Burns says the city’s waterfront is one of its greatest assets and must be protected. He said he would like to see the city work with the private sector to develop more activities for kids and teens.

“There really doesn’t seem to be a lot for them to do, maybe we can change that,” he said.

Wayne Ashley

Ashley has more than 38 years of patrolling city streets has given him a good sense of the community and what it’s residents want.

“We have a fantastic city here and I want to make it better. When I get a complaint from someone, I check on it. I get answers and I report back to them. I have not missed a single meeting in four years because I take my commitment to this city very seriously,” he said.

Ashley says he has learned a lot serving on the city council next to Ogdensburg Mayor William Nelson and is ready move into the chief seat.

“Our mayor decided not to run and I figure with the relationship I have with community I have the opportunity do something good, to give back. I really feel like I can make a change,” he said.

Ashley says if elected he wants to have office hours available, so the public can stop in and express their concerns.

“I want people to be heard. I want them to feel comfortable talking to the council. And I am very confident I can do that,” he said. “I think there will be a lot of learning, but I am going to do my very best.”

Vernon “Sam” Burns

Burns says he has helped prepare county budgets, chaired committees and helped run economic development agencies. He says he also worked with the county make all of St. Lawrence County a foreign trade zone, which helped bring additional business to the port.

“Obviously as a life-long resident in Ogdensburg, it’s always been near and dear to my heart. I had hoped to continue serving as a county legislator, but just cause I lost that seat doesn’t mean I don’t care,” he said.

Burns said the exit of long-time Mayor William Nelson, he believes his experience and regional connections will be needed.

“I understand the mayor is one of seven votes, but the other part is the mayor’s chairs the meetings,” he said. “I think it’s important to know and follow proper procedures and would like to use my experience to help move things along so we can get a lot done.”