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Massena planner sets sights on St. Lawrence County legislature with Republican backing

Posted 10/21/18

MASSENA -- Joel Grigg, who is running for the 14th District as a Republican, says he would be “fully engaged in the task of being on the Board with positive leadership” and strive toward …

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Massena planner sets sights on St. Lawrence County legislature with Republican backing

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MASSENA -- Joel Grigg, who is running for the 14th District as a Republican, says he would be “fully engaged in the task of being on the Board with positive leadership” and strive toward developing “a county wide economy.”

He sees “jobs, jobs, jobs” as the biggest issue facing St. Lawrence County.

“Even though our unemployment numbers are steadily on the decline throughout the State, St. Lawrence County’s continues to be among the highest. Through transportation infrastructure renewal and solid spending priorities, we can develop a county wide economy based on a variety of business and industries (e.g., recreation, tourism, small businesses, new technologies, marketing and services, along with a traditional industrial base),” Grigg wrote in emailed responses to questions from North Country This Week, adding that they must also address the drug epidemic. “Increasing the number of businesses and jobs is a start to fighting the illegal drug trade, but we also must focus on law enforcement, prevention, and treatment. Because our County’s fiscal resources are more stable than they were four years ago, we can now appropriately invest in these areas.”

Grigg wrote that he plans to approach the position, if elected, as strongly advocating for Massena but being a team player on the legislature.

“With me as the Legislator, this district will have a full, strong, and active voice, in Canton. I will also fight for the unique interest of Massena and our place in county government. I will seek what is best for Massena and St. Lawrence County; but not at the expense of Massena. This goes back to communication. District 14 will benefit because I will listen to the issues of residents and those serving on the Village and Town boards and take them to the county level. I will also seek to understand and communicate other interest to the district residents, in order that, no matter what issue is at hand, we will face it as a community,” he said.

The Republican candidate says he wants to see the board look at how the county administers services.

“I believe we must also pay attention to the way we provide services. Over the past few months the Board of Legislators has worked with department heads to improve health services provided by the county. This focus should continue. Also, we need to streamline and reduce paperwork by using available technologies,” Grigg wrote. “We should use resources such as web pages and smartphone/tablet apps for application and recertification of assistance to recipients. We should also allow for a more wide-ranging use of on-line payment methods for individuals to pay fees, fines, and other charges. These initiatives will allow our current workforce to efficiently handle their ever-growing workload without an increase in the stress that the workload brings.”

He says he looks at the position as full-time service, rather than just attending a monthly board meeting.

“I believe elected office is all about service! I have the time, talent, and knowledge to actively serve the residents of Massena and the county overall. Being a County Legislator is more than attending meetings on Monday evenings. It is a 15 to 20 hour a week commitment,” Grigg wrote. I am available to serve on committees … and will attend local town and village board meetings etc. In addition to my education and background (my Masters of Public Administration, and previous government experience). Finally, I understand what it means to honestly listen to others. I have taught workplace communication, so I know how to clearly communicate ideas with others by building positive interactions and avoiding barriers.

“I also have the knowledge necessary to be an active County Legislator from day one. I have been attending the Board meetings (i.e., the full Board meetings as well as when it meets as Finance, Operations, or Services Committee) since March. I understand how the Board operates, the issues facing the county and how these issues are handled. Finally, I understand what it means to honestly listen to others. I have taught workplace communication, so I know how to clearly communicate ideas with others by building positive interactions and avoiding barriers.”