By JIMMY LAWTON

CANTON – St. Lawrence County Republican’s chose Gouverneur Town and Village Attorney Henry Leader to fill a vacancy on the legislature.

Travis Dann, R-Gouverneur, who resigned after being elected as Gouverneur Town Justice, previously held the seat.

County law prohibits a legislator from holding another elected position.

As required by county law, the nine remaining Republican members of the legislature were appointed to a vacancy committee to select a replacement for Dann.

County Legislator Joseph Lightfoot said a total of three candidates were interested in the position, including a Democrat.

He said legislators interviewed all three candidates, but unanimously agreed Leader was the best candidate and recommended he be named to fill the vacancy at special meeting held earlier in the week.

Leader’s appointment will become official after the full board of legislators confirms it at the next meeting.

However, as written county law states the legislator must approve the appointment.