All candidates for St. Lawrence County Legislature were recently asked, “What is your vision for St. Lawrence County for the next ten years in terms of the local economy and the environment? And, how do you see implementing that vision?”

The question was created and sent to all candidates by John Casserly of Canton, a member of “CantonPotsdam2020,” an advocacy group with a CantonPotsdam 2020 Facebook page. Candidates were informed their responses would appear on or be used by NorthCountryNow.com, North Country Public Radio and the Watertown Daily Times.

Here is the response from Democrat Rick Perkins in District 7, which includes Pierrepont, Parishville, Hopkinton, Clare, Colton and Piercefield. He is running against Republican Jerry Moore to replace Republican Scott Sutherland, who is not seeking a new term.

Responses from other candidates were posted on Saturday. Unfortunately, those clicking on Perkins’ link were originally directed to the response of his opponent in error. NorthCountryNow.com regrets the error, which has since been fixed.

Here is Perkins’ response:

I will politely oblige a request by Canton/Potsdam2020 to explain my vision for St. Lawrence County over the next ten years because I believe that transparency in government is extremely important.

Simply stated, I envision a vibrant economy where every resident has the opportunity to be gainfully employed.

Imagine if our young people didn’t have to leave their native home in order to achieve rewarding employment. Remaining St. Lawrence County residents shouldn’t have to lay awake at night wondering how they will pay their gas, light and phone bills.

Good jobs shouldn’t have to be a privilege; leaders throughout our county must work together to establish policies that create new employment opportunities. I will work with everyone to achieve this end regardless of address or party affiliation.

Where do we start? The Interstate 98 plan must become a reality. I can remember my parents speaking about this when I was a little boy. We cannot wait any longer to get connected to the rest of the world.

St. Lawrence County is isolated and this is a project that will finally connect us to the rest of the national economy. People in St. Lawrence County should not have to live in poverty because we are so isolated. The Interstate 98 project will correct that isolation.

Imagine if you will, local businesses with employee parking lots stretched to their capacity. Years ago, when I was a young man, the parking lots at Alcoa, Reynolds and GM were full, three shifts, every day and every night.

Snow? Snow by the foot? No problem. Employees took to the road as a matter of pride. Today, that opportunity is largely gone. We are so far off the transportation grid that even the big three have abandoned their St. Lawrence County home.

If the Big Three leave because of economic isolation, how can we blame our kids for doing the same? We must correct this.

I intend to invest in tourism and recreation as a County Legislator. Developing a countywide multi-use trail system will transform tourism throughout our county when complete.

County legislators have been instrumental in helping develop this trail system and I will proudly work to complete the vision that they have shared in. Our natural environment in this part of the county is our greatest asset…our rivers and streams, motorized water sports, fishing, camping, cross country skiing, paddling, hiking, camping; these are local opportunities for economic development.

I will work with my fellow legislators to ensure that these are priorities in our county and regional economic development plans.

I fully support the need to cleanse the Adirondack Park and the rest of St. Lawrence County where environmental contamination is concerned. Progress is being made at the former J&L site. We owe it to future generations to leave our land in better condition than when we were granted stewardship.

If you agree with my vision for our future, I would appreciate your vote on November 4.