Sam Burns, right, shakes hands with his sister Melody Burns, left.

By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – St. Lawrence County Legislator Vernon “Sam” Burns said he intends to keep his District 1 seat on the board at a Thursday press conference at the Dobisky Visitors Center.

Surrounded by friends, family and Democrats, Burns asked the public to support him for a third term.

He thanked public employees, who he said are often given a bad name, for their service and support.

Burns said he has spent his time as legislator working to help people and intends to continue that work in his next term.

“Government is about people,” he said.

Burns said despite accusations from the “other party” he and his fellow Democrats have been working to achieve a stable tax rate and replenish the county's fund balance.

He said the recent adoption of a five-year plan will help the county reach that goal.

Burns, who also serves on the St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency, said he understands the county has been struggling to attract business and has high unemployment rate.

“Only by working together can we move the region ahead,” he said.

Burns said he was the first Democrat to announce intentions to run for the county legislature, but more would follow soon.

St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee Chairman Mark Bellardini was also present at the conference. He said Burns was “obviously a great candidate who will work hard for the county.”

He said more Democrats will be announcing their candidacy soon and voters can expect to see some new faces as the campaigning season begins.

Burns faces opposition from Republican candidate Don Hooper. St. Lawrence County Legislator Fred Morill also attended the event. Republican Larry Denesha has stated his intent to run against Morill.

Last week former St. Lawrence County Legislator David Forsythe of Lisbon said he plans to replace Mark Akins, who will not be seeking reelection.