By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – Police veteran and Republican city councilor Wayne Ashley says he’ll be focused on economic development if he wins the mayor’s post.

“After long talks with my family and friends and the party I decided I would run for mayor,” he said.

Mayor William Nelson announced last month he would not seek reelection.

Ashley, who served 36 years as an Ogdensburg Police Officer before being elected to council in 20111, says he plans to push economic development if elected.

He said he wants to see the remediated Diamond National and Shade Roller sites developed. He will also work to ensure the city is able to recover land at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center that is currently owned by the state.

“That property is in a prime location for development,” he said.

Ashley said city has struggled to attract businesses to the area in the past, but in recent years has positioned itself to draw in entrepreneurs.

“We have someone looking at the Diamond site,” he said. “We need to make sure we are doing everything we can do to bring businesses in.”

Ashley credited city manager John Pinkerton and the entire city staff for making the Ogdensburg more attractive.

“We are very lucky. We really have great department heads and great staff. I think they are all doing an excellent job,” he said.

Ashley said his experience as an officer has given him insight to the city and its residents. He said has interacted with a large portion of population in good and bad times, but said he has always treated people with dignity and respect regardless of the situation.

“I always try to treat people they way I’d wanted to be treated if I were in their shoes,” he said.

As a councilor Ashley said he takes complaints from residents seriously and plans to continue that practice if he is elected.

“If someone has problem or a question, I get them an answer,” he said. “I’m not afraid to speak my mind or make tough decisions.”

Although no formal announcement has been made, Ashley said he has heard rumors that former St. Lawrence County Legislator and Democrat Sam Burns may challenge him for the mayoral post.