BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

CANTON — St. Lawrence County Administrator Ruth Doyle has been appointed to a third term by county legislators.

Doyle’s third term will officially begin April 1, running through March 31, 2027 at an annual salary of $167,264.

Doyle, who has been in the role since 2015, was praised by legislators for her dedication to the county. Doyle has worked for the county in various roles for 20 years.

Legislator Joe Lightfoot spoke highly of Doyle’s service, saying she has played a key role for many years.

“You were then the right-hand person to the then county administrator. You were the one that was replied upon heavily by that county administrator,” Lightfoot said.

Lightfoot also spoke to Doyle’s attention to detail and thorough knowledge of the various issues at hand.

Lightfoot said on multiple occasions Doyle was able to quickly locate and disseminate information to legislators during meetings to keep proceedings moving smoothly.

“You would leave the room, you would come back and you had the answer. Now, you’ve sort of graduated, you don’t have to leave the room. You’ve got the answers right up here for just about anything we ask you. And I have to say, I don’t know how you do that. But it is certainly something that this board very much appreciates. Your knowledge, your devotion and your dedication to not only the board, but to the people of St. Lawrence County,” Lightfoot said.

In his brief speech, Lightfoot also praised Doyle’s “innovative thinking” saying many of her ideas have helped move the county forward. In all cases, the ideas presented are well thought out, well presented and usually well received, according to Lightfoot.

“I have to say, the ones that aren’t, we probably didn’t look into them deep enough at times,” Lightfoot said.

Lightfoot said his time working with Doyle has personally been a pleasure, citing her professionalism and willingness to communicate openly with all parties.

“Ruth, I gotta say, I hope you’re here with the county for many more years to come,” Lightfoot said.

“We (the legislature) rely heavily on you to keep us in line,” Lightfoot joked.

For her service to the county, Doyle was presented with a certificate by Chairman David Forsythe.

“In recognition for excellence and outstanding service and in appreciation for 20 years of dedicated service to St. Lawrence County, you have earned the respect and appreciation of your peers as well as the gratitude of the County Administration and the citizens that you so doable serve,” Forsythe said.